Models for pharmacist-delivered tobacco cessation services: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Public Health
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Pharmacists play a crucial role in public health initiatives, including tobacco cessation.
• Various service and business models are employed for pharmacist-led tobacco cessation programs.
• Evidence on the effectiveness and optimal delivery of these services is evolving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the delivery models of pharmacist-led tobacco cessation services in the United States.
• To identify common practices, business models, and reported outcomes.
• To highlight gaps in current literature regarding these services.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of studies published between July 2003 and April 2019.
• Searches conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE and EBSCO databases.
• Inclusion criteria focused on pharmacist-led tobacco cessation interventions for adults, with tobacco cessation as an outcome.

Main Results:

• 16 articles were included, primarily observational studies (87.5%) in ambulatory care settings (68.8%).
• Most common service model: appointment-based, individual, face-to-face sessions.
• Reported cessation rates varied widely (3.98%–77.14%), often self-reported, with inconsistent follow-up reporting.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacists effectively manage tobacco cessation through diverse methods.
• Gaps exist in consistent outcomes reporting, understanding service model impact, and economic data for business models.
• Further research is essential to optimize and expand the pharmacist's role in tobacco cessation.