Effectiveness of the Tobacco Tactics Program in the Department of Veterans Affairs

Sonia A. Duffy, David L. Ronis, Carrie Karvonen‐Gutierrez, Lee A Ewing, Gregory W. Dalack, Patricia M. Smith, Timothy P. Carmody, Thomas Hicks, Christopher Hermann, Pamela Reeves,

Annals of Behavioral Medicine · 2014 · 17 citations · 39 references

Concepts

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine the effectiveness of the Tobacco Tactics program in three Veterans Affairs hospitals. METHODS: In this effectiveness trial, inpatient nurses were educated to provide the Tobacco Tactics intervention in Ann Arbor and Detroit, while Indianapolis was the control site (N = 1,070). Smokers were surveyed and given cotinine tests. The components of the intervention included nurse counseling, brochure, DVD, manual, pharmaceuticals, 1-800-QUIT-NOW card, and post-discharge telephone calls. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in 6-month quit rates in the pre- to post-intervention time periods in Ann Arbor (p = 0.004) and Detroit (p < 0.001) compared to Indianapolis. Pre- versus post-intervention quit rates were 4 % compared to 13 % in Detroit, were similar (6 %) pre- and post-intervention in Ann Arbor, and dropped from 26 % to 12 % in Indianapolis. CONCLUSION: The Tobacco Tactics program, which meets the Joint Commission standards that apply to all inpatient smokers, has the potential to significantly decrease smoking among Veterans.

References

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