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

"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.