Students Research in Progress
Sunday, November 12, 2023
12:45 PM–02:15 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Community pharmacists are an untapped resource for increasing use of Tobacco Treatment (TT) and reducing smoking due to their unparalleled accessibility. Kentucky is one of nine states to have expanded scope of practice authorizing pharmacists to initiate tobacco cessation pharmacotherapies under protocol, reducing a critical barrier in access to TT.
Research Question or Hypothesis: For pharmacists who provide increased access to TT delivered via board-approved protocol (BAP), what barriers and facilitators exist that enhance or hinder the ability of pharmacies to implement BAP for TT in community-based pharmacy practice?
Study Design: Key informant interviews from geographically distinct areas in Kentucky that provide TT services via BAP were conducted.
Methods: Key informant semi-structured interviews with pharmacists who self-identified as providing the BAP for TT were conducted virtually via Zoom. After the interviews, data was analyzed by thematic content analysis utilizing an inductive approach. Transcripts were independently analyzed by the primary and senior authors utilizing NVivo software, and a master codebook was developed to reduce discrepancies. Final content and thematic analyses were employed to identify relevant themes.
Results: Research in progress. Previous research by the authors identified 92 pharmacies that reported having 1 or more BAP in place. Of those 92 pharmacies, 31.5% (n = 29) provide tobacco treatment via BAP. Key informant interviews were conducted with consenting pharmacists (n = 10), with the remaining 19 pharmacies either pending (n = 4) or declining (n = 15) to participate. Initial themes from the data describe interprofessional collaboration, effective patient identification, patient engagement, time, and adequate reimbursement. Relation of how the themes fit into the analytical framework will be used to determine the final thematic analysis.
Conclusion: Findings will be used to identify facilitators of pharmacist-delivered TT via BAP and overcome barriers in community pharmacies throughout Kentucky and in the other states that allow for TT under protocol.
Presenting Author
Caitlin Ritsch PharmD CandidateUniversity of Kentucky
Authors
Clark Kebodeaux PharmD, BCACP
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Ellen Hahn PhD, RN, FAAN
University of Kentucky
Nancy Harrington Ph.D.
University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information