Referral from dentists to pharmacy smokefree services – a novel approach?

Authors:
Viv Binnie, Liz Grant and Mohammed Ameen

Presenter:
Mohammed Ameen
Pharmacist, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, Pharmacy Public Health, Glasgow, UK

Abstract
Key governmental healthcare documents and guidelines recommend the involvement of healthcare professionals in smoking cessation. Despite the clear link between smoking and oral disease, little research has been carried out in the area of referral to smoking cessation services by dentists. One important method of involving dentists is through the referral of patients to receive support via Pharmacy Smokefree services. This service operates in pharmacies in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, and has attracted over 72,000 patients.

This pilot study aimed to assess the uptake of smoking cessation referrals from dental surgeries to local pharmacies, to make use of their Smokefree services. Dental surgeries and pharmacies in the South East CHCP, Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board were asked to participate in this unique referral system. In total there were 29 dental surgeries and 28 pharmacies participating for a period of approximately 12 months.

While one of the objectives was to examine if such a set up would increase the number of referrals, uptake by the dental practices was disappointing. The benefits and barriers of such a collaborative setup are identified, and recommendations for potential further action in this area are discussed.

Source of funding: NHS (Public Health)

Declaration of interest: none