A critical review of research related to family physician-assisted smoking cessation interventions.
A review of family physician-assisted smoking cessation research indicates that the family practice setting affords an excellent opportunity to intervene with a large proportion of smokers, at a time when they are receptive to health promotion messages. Outcome data at 6- and 12-month follow-up intervals indicate the value of combining 3 key strategies in achieving optimal results: physician advice and support, nicotine replacement therapy, and cognitive-behavioural counselling. The authors' review identifies questions that need to be addressed in future research: How can barriers to program delivery be overcome in the family practice setting? What is the best way to ensure optimal integration of the 3 key strategies? Which follow-up intervals are appropriate (e.g., 6 months, 12 months, 18 months) given the finding that relapse is common and that most smokers make several quit attempts before stopping for good?
Department of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ont.
P G
PG
Ritvo
M J
MJ
Irvine
E A
EA
Lindsay
N
N
Kraetschmer
N
N
Blair
Z M
ZM
Shnek
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010821:Physicians, Family; D012106:Research; D016540:Smoking Cessation