Manitoba Pharmacist Initiated Smoking Cessation Pilot Project

SYNOPSIS - Manitoba Pharmacist Initiated Smoking Cessation Program Overview Background The Manitoba government supports the role of the pharmacist as an integral part of the primary health care team delivering quality care and service to Manitobans. The role of the Pharmacist is ever evolving and expanding to meet the needs of their clients including comprehensive medication therapy management and expanded preventative expert. Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible health care professionals and provide a wide range of clinical services in the neighborhoods, towns, and cities across this province.

As part of the Manitoba government's wellness initiative, the government is strategically committed towards reducing the use of tobacco through public policy. Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in Manitoba and the use of tobacco is responsible for more than 50% of lung, respiratory, and oral cancers and a substantial factor in cardiovascular disease. While decreases in smoking rates have been achieved in recent years, Manitoba continues to exceed the national average of 17.3%, ranking the province with the third highest smoking prevalence. Manitoba' current smoking rates warrant continued efforts to reduce smoking in youth and adults.

While many believe smoking to be lifestyle choice it is also known to be a changeable lifestyle behavior and a significant determinant of health. It is also known to be a serious addiction that is very difficult to overcome both physically and emotionally. As part of Manitoba's targeted approach to smoking cessation, a partnership has been forged to develop and implement the pilot program: Manitoba Pharmacist Initiated Smoking Cessation Program.

Methodology The role of the pharmacist can best be described as underutilized and often an under recognized resource in smoking cessation programs. For individuals who smoke, many find smoking cessation overwhelming and difficult without assistance, including smoking cessation drugs and ongoing support and counselling. Many pharmacists have received additional knowledge and training specifically for initiating and monitoring a smoking cessation for individual clients. The Manitoba Pharmacist Smoking Cessation Program will provide access for 100 clients to the vital components necessary to quit smoking. Lower socioeconomic status is associated with higher rates of smoking. The Manitoba Employment and Income Assistance program provides support for lower income individuals in Manitoba. This smoking cessation program is a controlled pilot study providing clients with the most appropriate smoking cessation drugs along with the benefit of one to one pharmacist support and counselling.

Smoking Cessation Program Objectives