As vaping becomes an increasing public health issue, training for pharmacists must cover cessation support for both smoking and vaping. Student pharmacists, as emerging healthcare providers, need education aligned with current clinical guidelines and incorporating behavior change techniques. This study sought to create and assess an educational module targeting critical knowledge and skill deficiencies in smoking and vaping among student pharmacists. An educational module titled No-to-Nicotine was delivered to second-year undergraduate student pharmacists at The University of Sydney. It included two lectures on smoking and vaping, plus a 2.5-hour interactive workshop promoting active learning via practical applications of the material. Changes in knowledge and attitudes were evaluated using a pre- and post-module questionnaire.
Knowledge scores improved significantly (pre-module mean total: 18.9 ± 5.6; post-module mean total: 25.4 ± 5.0; p < .001), indicating better comprehension of smoking and vaping topics. Changes in attitudes reflected heightened recognition of pharmacists' responsibilities in managing nicotine dependence. Student feedback highlighted the module's relevance and practical value for future pharmacy roles. A pedagogically grounded educational module for student pharmacists can strengthen their contributions to smoking and vaping cessation in clinical practice. Integrating up-to-date knowledge and skills on smoking and vaping services is vital within pharmacy education programs.
