Effectiveness of the Tobacco Tactics Program in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Issue 2 (14th May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duffy, Sonia A.; Ronis, David L.; Karvonen-Gutierrez, Carrie A.; Ewing, Lee A.; Dalack, Gregory W.; Smith, Patricia M.; Carmody, Timothy P.; Hicks, Thomas; Hermann, Christopher; Reeves, Pamela; Flanagan, Petra
• Is Part Of: Annals of behavioral medicine. Volume 48:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 274
• Publication Date: 2014-05-14
• Subjects: Cessation -- Health services research -- Tobacco control -- Treatment and intervention -- Veterans; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Sick -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Behavioral Medicine; 616.0019
• DOI: 10.1007/s12160-014-9605-z
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-6612

Abstract

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.