Skip to main content
Dryad

An observational study of nicotine replacement therapy availability through pharmacist prescribing in the California Central Valley

Data files

Oct 21, 2025 version files 15.63 KB

Click names to download individual files

Abstract

"Furnishing" describes pharmacists having the authorizing power to prescribe medications including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Pharmacists in California's Central Valley were surveyed and interviewed about their pharmacies' characteristics, their ability to furnish NRT, barriers and facilitators to furnishing NRT, and perceptions of furnishing NRT. Five of the nine pharmacy participants consented to being both surveyed and interviewed, while the remaining four only agreed to be surveyed. Participants who were interviewed received additional questions that those who were surveyed did not receive (questions are noted with asterisks). Five of nine pharmacies surveyed furnished NRT. While many pharmacies experienced a high daily prescription volume, few prescriptions were for smoking cessation aids. Five of nine pharmacies reported that store employees ask customers if they want a pharmacist consultation prior to purchasing NRT products. Our findings suggest that additional efforts are needed to increase access to pharmacist-provided tobacco cessation services.