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As Lung Cancer and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Awareness Month is observed, the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan is enhancing a program designed to encourage people to reduce or quit using nicotine.
According to the association, the use of these products is on the rise, and the Lung Health Foundation said the high rate of use among young people is especially concerning when it comes to nicotine pouches and vaping products.
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The Partnership to Assist in the Cessation of Tobacco (PACT) is a “health-care provider-led nicotine and tobacco cessation program” aimed at reducing the use of newer products, such as vaping and nicotine pouches, as well as more traditional products such as cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
“Pharmacy professionals trained in the delivery of the PACT program are available across the province, providing access to these important services to Saskatchewan residents,” said Michael Fougere, CEO of the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan.
The enhanced PACT program offers training to pharmacy professionals in providing techniques for “modern pharmacy-led tobacco and nicotine cessation, reflecting current use patterns and evidence-based best practices,” according to the statement.
While pharmacists in Saskatchewan were previously able to provide clients with products such as over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies, including patches, gums and sprays, the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan says the PACT program goes even further by enabling “trained pharmacists to assess use, counsel patients and create personal quit plans with both behavioural and medication options to improve their chances of quitting.”
The program also allows pharmacists to provide assistance after a client quits using nicotine products through one year of follow-up support. Patients can access counselling sessions with a pharmacist to increase their chances of successfully quitting.
The program was developed through a partnership between the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan government and the University of Saskatchewan Continuing Pharmacy Education.
