Tobacco cessation training in 6-year pharmacy schools in Japan: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the extent of tobacco cessation training content, including the introduction of a comprehensive programme; and the presence of tobacco-related topics, including new tobacco products, school years and course of training, educators, and attitudes and policies relevant to tobacco education in pharmacy schools in Japan. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SETTING: All pharmacy schools in Japan with a 6-year course of training were invited to participate. METHODS: Pharmacy schools in Japan that agreed to participate in a web-based survey asking about tobacco cessation training, and attitudes and policies relevant to tobacco education. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the number of pharmacy schools that introduced comprehensive tobacco cessation training in their curriculum. The secondary outcome was to clarify the curriculum coverage of 9 basic knowledge and 10 tobacco cessation-specific topics, including new tobacco products. RESULTS: Of the 75 pharmacy schools with a 6-year course in Japan, 52 (74%) responded to the survey. While 27 (52%) schools reported that comprehensive tobacco cessation training would be beneficial, only 1 school had introduced it as a one-credit elective course in the fifth year. Basic knowledge topics for tobacco cessation listed in or related to the Model Core Curriculum were covered by 44%–65% of the schools, while practical skills were covered in 10%–19% of the schools. Only seven schools (14%) introduced the topic of new tobacco products in their curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that comprehensive tobacco cessation training is not generally offered in pharmacy schools in Japan. The Model Core Curriculum should revise its standards to implement updated tobacco cessation training programmes to keep up with new tobacco products and to train pharmacy students on counselling users of such products. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences No. 17 – 14.