Pilot of a preoperative smoking cessation intervention incorporating post-discharge support from a Quitline.
OBJECTIVE
The study sought to assess the potential efficacy of a comprehensive smoking cessation intervention for surgical patients.


METHODS
The study employed a modified historical controlled trial design. Participants were recruited from a preoperative clinic of an Australian hospital in 2003. Patients allocated to the experimental group received a comprehensive smoking cessation intervention incorporating preoperative computerised smoking cessation counselling, tailored self-help material, brief advice from preoperative clinical staff, NRT, telephone counselling, and proactive post-discharge telephone support from a Quitline.


RESULTS
At the six month follow-up 12% of 66 usual care control group participants and 25% of 52 experimental group participants reported being abstinent (p=0.07).


CONCLUSIONS
Comprehensive smoking cessation interventions initiated preoperatively and incorporating postdischarge support from a Quitline may be efficacious in increasing smoking abstinence.
Wolfenden
Luke
L
Hunter New-England Population Health and the University of Newcastle, New South Wales. luke.wolfenden@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
Wiggers
John
J
Campbell
Elizabeth
E
Knight
Jenny
J
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015277:Hotlines; D006801:Humans; D009517:New South Wales; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*