OA09.01 5As to 3As: Evolution of the Systematic Approach to Smoking Cessation in Ontario’s Regional Cancer Centres

Abstract

Smoking is responsible for approximately 30% of all cancer deaths in Canada, and more than 85% of lung cancer cases. Cancer patients who continue to smoke experience decreased treatment efficacy and safety, increased toxicities, greater risk of cancer recurrence and second primaries, poorer quality of life, and decreased survival. Evidence suggests that quitting smoking after diagnosis can significantly reduce these adverse effects. In 2012, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) introduced a Framework for Smoking Cessation to be implemented across the province’s 14 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs). In 2017, the Framework was revised from a 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) to a 3As (Ask, Advise, Act) brief intervention model. The transition to a 3As model was based on emerging evidence, feedback from CCO’s Smoking Cessation Advisory Committee and Regional Smoking Cessation Champions, as well as learnings from a preliminary program evaluation. The revised Framework recommended an “opt-out” approach to referring smokers to cessation services. Following an environmental scan and site visit with each RCC to assess the current state, site-specific action plans were developed to promote alignment with the revised Framework. Action steps were given priority ratings in the areas of data capture, referrals, and resources. Two phone calls were held with each RCC to monitor progress on action plan implementation. Knowledge translation resources were created to support healthcare providers’ uptake of the 3As model. Smoking cessation interventions are often perceived by health care providers as time-consuming; the 3As model made the intervention briefer but no less effective. Over 3,000 knowledge translation resources were distributed to support healthcare providers working directly with cancer patients, including pocket cards and posters with suggested scripts. While the revised Framework officially launched in April 2018, early adopters of the 3As model and opt-out approach have seen improved performance on the Accepted a Referral indicator (proportion of smokers who accepted a referral to cessation services). In 2017, one RCC’s rate tripled from 10.1% to 30.9% in 6 months, while another improved from 13.2% to 36.9% in the same period. To improve program effectiveness, CCO’s smoking cessation initiative transitioned from a 5As to a 3As model and an opt-out referral process. Frontline staff have indicated a willingness to adopt the simplified approach, and early results show a promising increase in the number of smokers who are connected to smoking cessation services.