Development of a Clinical Tool for Guidance in Tobacco (Smoking) Cessation Counseling in Primary Care

Abstract

Smoking or the inhalation of tobacco products is a global epidemic, and one of the biggest public health threats faced worldwide. The inhalation of tobacco products results in profound damages both economically and physiologically on a societal and individual platform. A literature review in 2016 revealed a lack of an "all-in-one" evidence - based tool that utilized substance abuse, brief intervention, and referral for treatment (SBIRT) that providers could utilize when assisting patients with tobacco cessation. There was a myriad of information on SBIRT and substance abuse regarding illicit substances and alcohol, but the most prevalent drug of abuse, tobacco, was glaringly absent from our research with SBIRT. With this information, we wanted to develop a tool that incorporated evidence-based practices such as a reliable screening tool, SBIRT, and first line pharmacologic options. With a tool that incorporates everything a provider would need to create a successful tobacco intervention, we sought to increase the amount of tobacco cessation interventions done in the primary care environment by creating a readable and reliable tool that clinicians can feel confident using with their patients.