Linked ailments should be tackled by linked services

A study in the States has demonstrated that people who quit smoking have an increased risk of developing type-two diabetes. Ajit Malhi, head of marketing services for AAH Pharmaceuticals discusses the role that pharmacists here in the UK can play to help prevent this.

The research found that within the first six years, quitters were 70 per cent more likely to contract type-two diabetes than non-smokers because they tend to put on weight.

While this study was conducted in America, I have no doubt that it isn’t restricted by demographics or geography.

It is well known that many people who kick the habit turn to food, not just because nicotine is an appetite suppressant but also because taste buds start to function properly again. Quite often, eating is a distraction from the cravings or can become a cigarette substitute.

With the New Year well and truly under way and resolutions being set, smokers are in need of guidance on quitting. This opens up new avenues for pharmacists and opportunities to interlink the service that we provide.

I understand fully from talking to my colleagues and during my locum work that giving up the cigarettes can be a daunting task. It is a task that is constantly under attack from cravings and anxiety so managing your patients’ needs and wellbeing should be accompanied by support and understanding.

I am not suggesting that people wishing to work with a pharmacist to beat the habit should have other services thrust in their face however, this may only act to scare that patient away or give them an excuse to carry on smoking with it being, in their eyes, a better option than piling on the pounds.

As healthcare professionals we need to be able to recognise how our patients are doing and phase further programmes in if necessary – weight gain can be monitored carefully and an integrated service can be introduced as part of an holistic approach to a healthier lifestyle and improved wellbeing.

After all, it is our duty to advise but not be overly aggressive or assertive; this will enhance trust and should yield greater results. Our All About Health programme here at AAH emphasises this very well and with member numbers now approaching the 1,000 mark, the holistic approach to a healthier lifestyle appears to be gathering momentum.

If I can offer three tips to improve service offerings in these circumstances, firstly I would say that it’s vital to understand your patient’s needs.

Each one will be different so ready-made or off the shelf quick fixes may not be the desired approach. Make sure that the first consultation isn’t the final consultation; constant monitoring will make it easier to phase further services in.

You may notice weight gain as the cessation programme starts to become successful. Some patients may embrace weight management guidance but others may find it too much to cope with alongside a quitting programme – gentle lifestyle advice may be the suited option in this scenario.

Secondly I advise that honesty is the best policy. Be upfront at the outset with your patient and make them aware of the possible side effects of a smoking cessation programme. This way your patient will understand that they may find things difficult at times, or that they may gain weight or become irritable.

If there are no surprises for the patient they are more likely to work with you to an agreed goal and understand the need for further services or advice.

Finally shout about it. Let your community and all stakeholders know what you are doing. A good way to do this is to hold an open day or talk to a group in your area. Working closely with your local GP will also enhance the chances of increased footfall.

Should a GP be sending a patient your way for any nicotine replacement therapy medication, they are more likely to give you a good recommendation if they know exactly what it is you can offer and trust that you’ll work with their patient towards an agreed goal.

As our service offerings increase our time appears to diminish and while we are still operating under a cloud of uncertainty as regards remuneration it is crucial that our services and the added value that we can give at a local level don’ tjust sit in the background like left over Christmas gift sets sat on a shelf.

If ailments can be interlinked, as the survey demonstrates and as we are well aware, e.g. weight gain can have a direct link to diabetes, then we too should interlink our services to enhance the wellbeing of those we serve.