ASPO Abstracts
Variability in Smoking Cessation Practices: Results from a Multicentre Survey
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2019
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Smoking cessation is an important strategy for reducing lung cancer. However, there is variability in the services provided by hospitals. We assessed the different smoking cessation strategies implemented among health systems involved in a multi-institution collaborative that serves a high-risk catchment area predominantly in Illinois and Missouri. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 9 hospitals regarding each system’s smoking cessation resources for patients. This included classes, counseling, technology-based solutions, medications, community engagement, and administrative resources including physician billing guidelines and electronic medical record integration. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Results: The response rate was a 100%. 5 sites had their own smoking cessation programs with the number of participants ranging from 11 patients to “over 700” and smoking cessation success rates fluctuating between 16.7% and 45.5%. 4 sites had staff solely devoted to smoking cessation, including counselors, social workers, nurse navigators, and community educators. Elements incorporated into programs included group sessions (80%), written materials (80%), tobacco quit lines (60%), individual sessions (40%), medications (20%), and formal presentations (11%). One site used technology-based solutions, i.e. phone apps, to promote cessation, and another recently integrated cessation modules into the EMR but with reported low use. Cited strengths at each system included one-on-one sessions, meeting with patients during computed tomography scans, community outreach events at workplaces, and group classes with guest speakers. Areas for improvement included increasing success rates, offering more free medications at outpatient visits, and training additional staff to offer smoking cessation counseling. Conclusions: To maximize the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs, it is important to initiate dialogue concerning the strengths and weakness of current practices at different sites. These qualitative study findings will help programs identify structures and approaches that would not only be suitable, but also beneficial to replicate in their respective system.
Keywords: smoking cessation; survey