P P C Chiang1, S Chapman. 1. School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pharmacy staff recommend evidence-based smoking cessation aids. METHODS: Pseudo patron visit to 50 randomly selected Sydney pharmacies where the pseudo patron enquired about the 'best' way to quit smoking and about the efficacy of a non-evidence-based cessation product, NicoBloc. RESULTS: Nicotine replacement therapy was universally stocked and the first product recommended by 90% of pharmacies. After prompting, 60% of pharmacies, either also recommended NicoBloc or deferred to 'customer choice'. About 34% disparaged the product. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based smoking cessation advice in Sydney pharmacies is fragile and may be compromised by commercial concerns. Smokers should be provided with independent point-of-sale summaries of evidence of cessation product effectiveness and warned about unsubstantiated claims.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pharmacy staff recommend evidence-based smoking cessation aids. METHODS: Pseudo patron visit to 50 randomly selected Sydney pharmacies where the pseudo patron enquired about the 'best' way to quit smoking and about the efficacy of a non-evidence-based cessation product, NicoBloc. RESULTS:Nicotine replacement therapy was universally stocked and the first product recommended by 90% of pharmacies. After prompting, 60% of pharmacies, either also recommended NicoBloc or deferred to 'customer choice'. About 34% disparaged the product. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based smoking cessation advice in Sydney pharmacies is fragile and may be compromised by commercial concerns. Smokers should be provided with independent point-of-sale summaries of evidence of cessation product effectiveness and warned about unsubstantiated claims.
Authors: Andrea L Murphy; Heather Phelan; Scott Haslam; Ruth Martin-Misener; Stan P Kutcher; David M Gardner Journal: Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy Date: 2016-01-28