title: Effective Tobacco Cessation via Health Coaching: An Institutional Case Report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tobacco abuse is a well-recognized scourge on health and healthcare costs. Attempts to facilitate tobacco cessation are rarely better than marginally effective.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe an observational trial of an existing and highly successful tobacco cessation program featuring health coaching as the primary intervention. Core components of program design and data are presented and may serve as a model for other public health settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Health coaching and three complementary program components (auriculotherapy, alpha-electrical stimulation, and relaxation techniques) are presented. Quit rates at 6 months for 161 patients over 3 years are provided featuring 30-day point prevalence smoke free and intent-to-treat values. Comparisons for telephonic vs in-clinic health coaching, free choice vs mandated participation, and program costs are provided.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Point prevalence quit rate was 88.7% while the more conservative intent-to-treat quit rate was 51.6%. Telephonic and in-clinic health coaching were not significantly different at any time point. Smoke-free rates at 6 and 12 months were 76.9% and 63.2%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two cost-effective smoking cessation models featuring health coaching are presented. Point prevalence (30-day) above 80% and an enduring effect was seen. Personal and societal burdens (health and financial) of tobacco use might be greatly impacted if such programs were successfully implemented on a larger scale.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise & Sport Sciences, Ithaca College Ithaca, New York (Dr Sforzo), United States.
authors.forename: Gary A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Sforzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise & Sport Sciences, Ithaca College Ithaca, New York (Dr Kaye), United States.
authors.forename: Miranda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.affiliation: Mercy Corporate Health & Wellness, Springfield, Missouri (Ms Ayers), United States.
authors.forename: Gale D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Ayers
authors.affiliation: Mercy Corporate Health & Wellness, Springfield, Missouri (Ms Talbert), United States.
authors.forename: Betina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Talbert
authors.affiliation: Mercy Corporate Health & Wellness, Springfield, Missouri (Ms Hill), United States.
authors.forename: Marilyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hill
keywords: Smoking cessation; auriculotherapy; cranial electrical stimulation; quit line; quit rates; wellness coaching