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

To summarize delivery models of pharmacist-led tobacco cessation services.

Studies published from July 1, 2003, to April 1, 2019, describing pharmacist-led tobacco cessation services in the United States were identified via PubMed/MEDLINE and EBSCO searches.

Studies were considered for inclusion if they met the following criteria: population, patients 18 years of age and older using tobacco products; intervention, pharmacist-led tobacco cessation services; comparator, not required; and outcome, tobacco cessation. We used a web-based tool, Rayyan QCRI, to assist with study selection.

We used a data extraction tool to collect article reference, study design, primary and secondary objectives, brief description of intervention, pharmacologic interventions, service model, business model, method to measure tobacco cessation, tobacco cessation rates, and other comments.

A total of 16 articles were incorporated into this review. Most studies included were observational (87.5%). The pharmacy settings included ambulatory care (68.8%), community (25%), and managed care (6.3%). Service models described most frequently followed an appointment-based, individual, face-to-face session between the patient and pharmacist. Business models included grant funding (12.5%), fee-for-service (6.3%), value-based (6.3%), and free services (6.3%), but most studies (56.3%) did not address reimbursement. Cessation rates ranged from 3.98% to 77.14% and were predominantly measured through self-report (62.5%). The timing of follow-up varied from 1 to 6 months after program completion, but in some articles was not reported (37.5%).

Pharmacists currently manage tobacco cessation services via an assortment of methods and can successfully assist patients in achieving abstinence. Gaps in the literature necessitate further guidance on consistent outcomes reporting, impact of service model on tobacco cessation, and economic data of business models. The profession will benefit from such information to further expand the pharmacists' role within tobacco cessation services.