Brief smoking cessation interventions by family physicians in northwestern Ontario rural hospitals
Interventions brèves de cessation tabagique par les médecins de famille dans les hôpitaux ruraux du nord-ouest de l'Ontario
Patricia M. Smith, Scott M. Sellick, Peter Brink, Alan D. Edwardson
Details
ISSN Number: 12037796
Language: English/French
Format: PDF
Pages: 9–15
Content Summary
This study examines the beliefs, confidence, and clinical practices of family physicians in northwestern Ontario regarding smoking cessation interventions in rural hospitals. The research highlights the high prevalence of tobacco use in the region and the scarcity of cessation services. Physicians reported strong adherence to the '5 A's' protocol, with 100% asking, advising, assessing, and assisting patients to quit smoking, and 89% arranging follow-up. Despite time constraints being a significant barrier, the study underscores the potential role of rural physicians in reducing tobacco-related diseases through effective cessation interventions.