Comparison of pharmacy students’ self-efficacy to address cessation counseling needs for traditional and electronic cigarette use

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Background and purposeThis study assessed pharmacy students’ self-rated ability to provide cessation counseling for e-cigarette use and traditional cigarette smoking. Educational activity and settingA cross-sectional study was conducted in spring 2014 at The University of Texas at Austin. Participants included first through fourth year (P1–P4) doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students. Perceived confidence and knowledge to counsel on cigarette smoking cessation and e-cigarette cessation were self-rated and based on the Ask-Advise-Assess-Assist-and Arrange (5 A's) follow-up model as well as general counseling skills for recreational nicotine product use cessation. Comparisons were made between students’ confidence to counsel patients on traditional cigarette smoking cessation and e-cigarette cessation and by class level. FindingsCompared to cigarette smoking cessation counseling, students were less confident in their ability to counsel on e-cigarette cessation using the 5 A's model and general counseling skills. Students perceived themselves to be less knowledgeable about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes, pharmacists’ role in counseling on e-cigarette cessation, and how patients can benefit from e-cigarette cessation counseling. A higher proportion of students reported having no training on e-cigarette cessation compared to cigarette smoking cessation (59% vs 9%). SummaryTargeted training on how to counsel patients on e-cigarette cessation should be included in pharmacy curricula. Such training is expected to increase the confidence of pharmacists-in-training to address the needs of patients who use e-cigarettes.