More People Listen to MDs than Other Healthcare Providers about Tobacco Cessation

Website: http://www.sic2004.org/

Newswise — Patients listen to their physicians more than anyone else when discussing tobacco cessation. This conclusion can be found in the literature review, "Tobacco Cessation Intervention: "What can you do to help your patients quit?" The findings by authors, Margaret Kuder Hamilton, MHPE, (Master of Health Promotions and Education), CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) and Nina Markovic, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh, are available at the 6th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer (http://www.sic2004.org) being held August 7-11, 2004, at the Wardman Park Marriott in Washington, DC.

Considering that more than 20 percent of American adults smoke and 50 percent of long-term smokers die of tobacco-related diseases, there is a need for intervention and help towards tobacco cessation. Physicians come in contact with 70 percent of these smokers every year, allowing them the best opportunity to make a difference and promote tobacco cessation. According to author Margaret Hamilton, "The research shows that patients listen to their doctors better than anyone else about smoking cessation. All healthcare providers should be able to advise patients to quit, and discuss both behavioral techniques that can improve the probability of a successful quit attempt as well as use of pharmacological aids."

Methodology: The authors of this poster reviewed current literature and the accepted standard of care for tobacco cessation.

Results: This literature assessment showed that a three minute intervention by the physician with their patient led to a 30 percent increase of cessation and a ten minute intervention led to a 60 percent increase. The authors also found that among different healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, and counselors), physicians were the most effective at smoking cessation counseling. Finally, it was determined that smoking patients whose physicians started a conversation about tobacco use with them reported more satisfaction with the physician, regardless of their decision on tobacco cessation.

Conclusion: Physicians are the most effective means of communication with patients about smoking cessation. Furthermore, their involvement is well-received, an indication of the distinctive role of the physician community in helping patients quit. The authors urge all physicians regardless of specialty to respectfully reinforce cessation at every patient visit, and reassure the patient that their healthcare provider is a resource when they are ready to quit.