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Efficacy of a brief intervention to improve emergency physicians smoking cessation counseling skills, knowledge, and attitudes

  • Steven L. Bernstein
  • , Edwin D. Boudreaux
  • , Lisa Cabral
  • , Rita K. Cydulka
  • , David Schwegman
  • , Gregory L. Larkin
  • , Annette L. Adams
  • , Lynne B. McCullough
  • , Karin V. Rhodes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The objective of this study was to test whether a brief educational/administrative intervention could increase tobacco counseling by emergency physicians (EPs). Pre-/post-study at eight emergency departments (EDs) with residency programs were carried out. EPs received a 1-hour lecture on the health effects of smoking and strategies to counsel patients. After the lecture, cards promoting a national smokers' quitline were placed in EDs, to be distributed by providers. Providers completed pre-/ post-intervention questionnaires. Patients were interviewed pre-/post-intervention to assess provider behavior. Two hundred eighty-seven EPs were enrolled. Post-intervention, providers were more likely to consider tobacco counseling part of their role, and felt more confident in counseling. Data from 1168 patient interviews and chart reviews showed that, post-intervention, providers were more likely to ask patients about smoking, make a referral, and document smoking counseling. Post-intervention, 30% of smokers were given a Quitline referral card. An educational intervention improved ED-based tobacco interventions. Controlled trials are needed to establish these results' durability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)158-181
Number of pages24
JournalSubstance Abuse
Volume30
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2009

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • Emergency Department
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Tobacco Control

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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