Evidence-based Tobacco Dependence Treatment Research Articles

Healthcare Providers' Knowledge of Evidence-Based Treatment for Tobacco Dependence, DocStyles 2020.

Although smoking cessation reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, evidence-based cessation treatments are underused. This study examined healthcare provider knowledge of evidence-based cessation treatments and associations between knowledge and clinical practice characteristics. Cross-sectional survey. 2020 DocStyles. 1480 U.S. healthcare providers. Provider knowledge of availability of tobacco use disorder diagnostic criteria, clinical practice guideline availability, treatment efficacy, evidence-based counseling modalities, and medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs), adjusted for personal and clinical practice characteristics. Less than half of respondents demonstrated high knowledge of availability of diagnostic criteria (36.8%), cessation treatment efficacy (33.2%), evidence-based counseling modalities (5.6%), and FDA-approved medications (40.1%). Significant differences were found between specialties: compared to internists, family physicians were less likely to have low knowledge of medications (aOR = .69, 95% CI = .53, .90) and obstetricians/gynecologists were more likely to have low knowledge of medications (aOR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.82, 3.76). Overall, few associations between knowledge and clinical practice characteristics were identified. Most providers had low knowledge of the topics of interest, with little variation across clinical practice characteristics, indicating room for improvement. Efforts to improve provider knowledge of evidence-based treatments are an important component of a comprehensive approach to improving delivery and use of cessation interventions and increasing tobacco cessation.

Using information technology to integrate tobacco use treatment in routine oncology care: Lessons learned from the U.S. Cancer Center Cessation Initiative Cancer Centers.

Cancer patients who receive evidence-based tobacco-dependence treatment are more likely to quit and remain abstinent, but tobacco treatment programs (TTPs) are not consistently offered. In 2017, the U.S. National Cancer Institute, through the Cancer Moonshot, funded the Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I). C3I supports 52 cancer centers to implement and expand evidence-based tobacco treatment in routine oncology care. Integration into routine care involves the use of health information technology (IT), including modifying electronic health records and clinical workflows. Here, we examine C3I cancer centers' IT leadership involvement and experiences in tobacco-dependence treatment implementation. This qualitative study of C3I-funded cancer centers integrated data from online surveys and in-person, semistructured interviews with IT leaders. We calculated descriptive statistics of survey data and applied content analysis to interview transcripts. Themes regarding IT personnel included suggestions to involve IT early, communicate regularly, understand the roles and influence of the IT team, and match program design with IT funding and resources. Themes regarding electronic health record (EHR) modifications included beginning modifications early to account for long lead time to make changes, working with IT to identify and adapt existing EHR tools for TTP or designing tools that will support a desired workflow developed with end-users, and working with IT personnel to make sure TTPs comply with system and state policies (e.g., privacy laws). The experiences of C3I cancer centers regarding the use of health IT to enhance tobacco-dependence treatment program implementation can guide cancer centers and community oncology practices to potentially enhance TTP implementation and patient outcomes.

Operationalizing Leadership and Clinician Buy-In to Implement Evidence-Based Tobacco Treatment Programs in Routine Oncology Care: A Mixed-Method Study of the U.S. Cancer Center Cessation Initiative.

Background: Delivering evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment in oncology settings improves smoking abstinence and cancer outcomes. Leadership engagement/buy-in is critical for implementation success, but few studies have defined buy-in or described how to secure buy-in for tobacco treatment programs (TTPs) in cancer care. This study examines buy-in during the establishment of tobacco treatment programs at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers. Methods: We utilized a sequential, explanatory mixed-methods approach to analyze quantitative data and qualitative interviews with program leads in the U.S.-based NCI Moonshot-supported Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (n = 20 Centers). We calculated descriptive statistics and applied structural coding and content analysis to qualitative data. Results: At least 75% of participating centers secured health care system administrative, clinical, and IT leadership buy-in and support. Six themes emerged from interviews: engaging leadership, access to resources, leveraging federal funding support to build leadership interest, designating champions, identifying training needs, and ensuring staff roles and IT systems support workflows. Conclusions: Buy-in among staff and clinicians is defined by the belief that the TTP is necessary, valuable, and evidence based. Recognizing and securing these dimensions of buy-in can facilitate implementation success, leading to improved cancer outcomes.

Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Strategy for Implementing Guidelines for Treating Tobacco Use in Vietnam Commune Health Centers.

Strategies are needed to increase implementation of evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) in health care systems in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). We conducted a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of two strategies for implementing TDT guidelines in community health centers (n = 26) in Vietnam. Arm 1 included training and a tool kit (eg, reminder system) to promote and support delivery of the 4As (Ask about tobacco use, Advise to quit, Assess readiness, Assist with brief counseling) (Arm 1). Arm 2 included Arm 1 components plus a system to refer smokers to a community health worker (CHW) for more intensive counseling (4As + R). Provider surveys were conducted at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months to assess the hypothesized effect of the strategies on provider and organizational-level factors. The primary outcome was provider adoption of the 4As. Adoption of the 4As increased significantly across both study arms (all p < .001). Perceived organizational priority for TDT, compatibility with current workflow, and provider attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy related to TDT also improved significantly across both arms. In Arm 2 sites, 41% of smokers were referred to a CHW for additional counseling. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of a multicomponent and multilevel strategy (ie, provider and system) for implementing evidence-based TDT in the Vietnam public health system. Combining provider-delivered brief counseling with opportunities for more in-depth counseling offered by a trained CHW may optimize outcomes and offers a potentially scalable model for increasing access to TDT in health care systems like Vietnam. Improving implementation of evidence-based TDT guidelines is a necessary step toward reducing the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases and premature death in LMICs. The findings provide new evidence on the effectiveness of multilevel strategies for adapting and implementing TDT into routine care in Vietnam and offer a potentially scalable model for meeting Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 14 goals in other LMICs with comparable public health systems. The study also demonstrates that combining provider-delivered brief counseling with referral to a CHW for more in-depth counseling and support can optimize access to evidence-based treatment for tobacco use.Clinical trials number: NCT01967654.

It Takes Two to Tango: Patients' and Providers' Perspectives in Tobacco Cessation and Head/Neck Cancer.

Tobacco cessation among patients with head/neck cancer continues to be challenging despite evidence that cessation improves treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to understand barriers/facilitators to tobacco cessation among patients with head/neck cancer and health care providers and to obtain perspectives toward the development of a patient-centered tobacco cessation intervention. In-depth qualitative interviews with 10 health care providers and 21 patients with head/neck cancer (12 inpatients and 9 outpatients) who were current or former smokers. Health was a common motivator to quit among patients. Although most patients indicated that their health care provider asked and advised them to quit, they were unaware of cessation resources. Suggestions for a tobacco cessation program included involvement of former smokers, health care provider involvement/counseling, supporting written materials, and incorporating follow-up and family support. Health care providers identified patients' anger/frustration associated with the disease, social/demographic issues, and poor quality of life as the three most frequent challenges in treating patients. Although all providers reported asking about tobacco use, 70% emphasized a lack of formal training in tobacco cessation and lack of time. Their suggestions for a cessation program included having a "quarterback" responsible for this component with support from the entire health care team and continuity between outpatient and inpatient services to promote cessation, prevent relapse, and highlight the importance of follow-up and social support. There is great interest and need, both from patients and providers, for tobacco cessation services in the oncology setting tailored for patients with head/neck cancer in the context of cancer care. Although the combination of pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral intervention is the standard evidence-based treatment for tobacco dependence, it must be adapted to meet the needs and wants of patients and providers to be effective. This study provides an in-depth examination of such needs among patients with head and neck cancer and providers in the context of cancer care. Providers and patients emphasized the need of having a trained health care provider dedicated to providing tobacco cessation through seamless integration between outpatient and inpatient services as well as follow-up with an emphasis on family involvement throughout the process.

Building capacity in tobacco control by establishing the Eastern Europe Nurses' Center of Excellence for Tobacco Control.

INTRODUCTIONProperly educated nurses delivering evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment could contribute to improving health and reducing regional disparities in tobacco-related disease and death in Central and Eastern Europe. The aims of this study are to describe development of the Eastern European Nurses’ Centre of Excellence for Tobacco Control (COE) and evaluate its online educational program on tobacco dependence treatment using the 5As framework.METHODSThe online education evaluation followed a prospective, single group, pre- and post-assessment of changes in nurses’ self-reported tobacco cessation interventions. Leaders from five Eastern European countries (Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia) developed protocols for in-country tobacco control education. Nurses responded to a baseline survey, accessed an online nursing educational program, and completed a follow-up survey at 3 months, in the period December 2015 to June 2016. A total of 695 nurses from five countries answered questions on cessation interventions at baseline and of these 507 (73%) completed a follow-up survey at 3 months.RESULTSAt the follow-up at 3 months, the 507 nurses self-reported a significant increase in providing all 5A components, i.e. nurses were significantly (p<0.0001) more likely to always /usually advise a patient to quit, assess interest in quitting (p=0.002), assist with a quit plan, review barriers to quitting and recommend a smoke-free home post-discharge (all p<0.0001). They were also significantly more likely (p=0.01) to agree or strongly agree that nurses have an obligation to advise patients on the risks of smoking. There was a significant increase (p<0.0001) in nurses’ estimate of the number of patients they provided a cessation intervention the previous week. Nurses who smoked were 60% more likely to assist and arrange compared to nurses who never smoked.CONCLUSIONSCoordinating multi-country activities through a COE was successful in engaging a network of nurses to use an online educational program and participate in other tobacco control activities.

Implementation of a Smoking Cessation e‐Learning Education Program for Oncology Clinic Healthcare Providers: Evaluation With Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice

Continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis increases the risk for treatment complications, primary cancer recurrence, and secondary malignancy development, while also reducing treatment efficacy, survival, and overall health. The lack of formal evidence-based smoking cessation education programs for oncology healthcare providers is a barrier to smoking cessation practices. To evaluate the use of an evidence-based, smoking cessation e-learning education program for oncology healthcare providers. A single group, pre- and post-test, nonexperimental design was used in this evidence-based quality improvement project. To assess the provider's knowledge in smoking cessation, a baseline assessment, a post-test, and an online survey were completed by the providers. A telephone survey was conducted to assess the patients' perception of cessation services received. The healthcare providers' (N=58) test scores on smoking cessation knowledge increased significantly (p<.0001) after completing the e-learning education program. A majority of the providers reported that the education program increased their confidence (86%) in successfully helping the patient to quit smoking and agreed to make smoking cessation a priority (89%) in their practice. A majority of the patients (85%) were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the smoking cessation services received. Many patients (71%) self-reported having tried to quit smoking. An evidence-based e-learning education program is effective in increasing oncology healthcare providers' knowledge and confidence in tobacco dependence treatment practices. The program also has a positive impact on oncology patients' perception of cessation services received. A self-paced e-learning program is a feasible and effective way to educate healthcare providers in smoking cessation treatment. Incorporating evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment into their daily oncology practice is warranted.

A qualitative assessment of factors influencing implementation and sustainability of evidence-based tobacco use treatment in Vietnam health centers

BackgroundEffective strategies are needed to increase implementation and sustainability of evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) in public health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial (VQuit) found that a multicomponent implementation strategy was effective in increasing provider adherence to TDT guidelines in commune health center (CHCs) in Vietnam. In this paper, we present findings from a post-implementation qualitative assessment of factors influencing effective implementation and program sustainability.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 52) with 13 CHC medical directors (i.e., physicians), 25 CHC health care providers (e.g., nurses), and 14 village health workers (VHWs) in 13 study sites. Interviews were transcribed and translated into English. Two qualitative researchers used both deductive (guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) and inductive approaches to analysis.ResultsFacilitators of effective implementing of TDT included training and point-of-service tools (e.g., desktop chart with prompts for offering brief counseling) that increased knowledge and self-efficacy, patient demand for TDT, and a referral system, available in arm 2, which reduced the provider burden by shifting more intensive cessation counseling to a trained VHW. The primary challenges to sustainability were competing priorities that are driven by the Ministry of Health and may result in fewer resources for TDT compared with other health programs. However, providers and VHWs suggested several options for adapting the intervention and implementation strategies to address challenges and increasing engagement of local government committees and other sectors to sustain gains.ConclusionOur findings offer insights into how a multicomponent implementation strategy influenced changes in the delivery of evidence-based TDT. In addition, the results illustrate the dynamic interplay between barriers and facilitators for sustaining TDT at the policy and community/practice level, particularly in the context of centralized public health systems like Vietnam’s. Sustaining gains in practice improvement and clinical outcomes will require strategies that include ongoing engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders at the national and local level, and planning for adaptations and subsequent resource allocations in order to meet the World Health Organization’s goals promoting access to effective treatment for all tobacco users.Trial registrationNCT02564653, registered September 2015

Qualitative Assessment of Factors Influencing Implementation Effectiveness and Sustainability of Strategies for Increasing Tobacco Use Treatment in Vietnam Health Centers

PURPOSE Effective strategies are needed to increase the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment (TDT) in public health systems in low- and middle-income countries. Our cluster randomized controlled trial (VQuit) found that a multicomponent implementation strategy was effective in increasing provider adherence to TDT guidelines in community health centers (CHCs) in Vietnam. In this paper, we present findings from a postimplementation qualitative assessment of factors that influence implementation effectiveness and program sustainability. METHODS We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews (N = 52) with 13 CHC medical directors (ie, physicians), 25 CHC health care providers, and 14 village health workers (VHWs) in 13 study sites. Interviews were transcribed and translated into English. RESULTS Facilitators of implementation effectiveness included training that increased confidence and skill, satisfaction with point-of-service tools, increasing patient demand for TDT, and, for the intervention arm, the value of a VHW referral system that reduced provider burden. The primary challenge to sustainability is the competing priorities driven by the Vietnam Ministry of Health, which may result in fewer resources for TDT compared with other health programs. However, providers and VHWs described several options for adapting the implementation strategies to address challenges and increase the engagement of local government committees and other sectors to sustain gains. CONCLUSION Our findings offer insight into how a multicomponent implementation strategy influenced changes in the delivery of evidence-based TDT. In addition, these results illustrate the dynamic interplay between barriers to and facilitators of sustaining TDT at the policy and community/practice level, particularly in the context of centralized public health systems, like that of Vietnam. Sustaining gains in practice improvement and clinical outcomes will require strategies that include ongoing engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders at the national and local level, as well as planning for adaptations and subsequent resource allocations, to meet Article 14 goals.

Cognitive, Behavioral, and Situational Influences on Relapse to Smoking After Group Treatment for Tobacco Dependence.

Socioeconomic disparities in treatment failure rates for evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment are well-established. Adapted cognitive behavioral treatments are extensively tailored to meet the needs of lower socioeconomic status (SES) smokers and dramatically improve early treatment success, but there is little understanding of why treatment failure occurs after a longer period of abstinence than with standard treatment, why early treatment success is not sustained, and why long-term treatment failure rates are no different from standard treatments. We sought to understand the causes of treatment failure from the perspective of diverse participants who relapsed after receiving standard or adapted treatment in a randomized control trial. We used a qualitative approach and a cognitive-behavioral framework to examine themes in responses to a semi-structured post-relapse telephone interview. The primary causes of relapse were familiar (i.e., habit, stress, unanticipated precipitating events). The adapted treatment appeared to improve the management of habits and stress short-term, but did not adequately prepare respondents for unanticipated events. Respondents reported that they would have benefited from continued support. New therapeutic targets might include innovative methods to reduce long-term treatment failure by delivering extended relapse prevention interventions to support early treatment success.Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02785536.

Chat-based instant messaging support combined with brief smoking cessation interventions for Chinese community smokers in Hong Kong: Rationale and study protocol for a pragmatic, cluster-randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNovel approaches to engage community smokers in smoking cessation are needed as smokers typically lack motivation to quit or use evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment. Mobile instant messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger) are widely used but under-studied as a mobile health modality for delivering smoking cessation support. This paper presents the rationale and study design of a trial which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a chat-based intervention using mobile instant messaging combined with brief interventions for community smokers. MethodsThis is a two-arm, parallel, accessor-blinded, pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial on an estimated 1172 daily cigarette smokers aged ≥18 years proactively recruited from 68 community sites (cluster) throughout Hong Kong. Subjects in intervention group received three months of chat-based, instant messaging support guided by acceptance and commitment therapy and other behavioural change techniques, integrated with brief advice and active referral to a smoking cessation service using the AWARD (Ask, Warn, Advise, Refer, Do-it-again) intervention model. Control group received brief advice to quit plus a self-help booklet at baseline. Outcomes were assessed at 1-, 2-, 3- and 6-month after baseline. The primary outcome is abstinence validated by exhaled carbon monoxide (<4 ppm) and salivary cotinine (<10 ng/mL) at 6-month after baseline. Primary analyses will be based on intention-to-treat. CommentsThis is the first trial examining the effectiveness of a chat-based cessation support programme combined with brief interventions in promoting abstinence. The intervention model can be adapted for other behavioural change treatments and more advanced digital smoking cessation intervention.

Evidence-based tobacco treatment utilization among dual users of cigarettes and E-cigarettes

Dual users of e-cigarettes and cigarettes may represent a unique and receptive population for evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment. We measured the frequency of quit attempts during the past year, and the use of evidence-based tobacco dependence treatments (i.e., behavioral and/or pharmacological treatments), among adult smokers who are current e-cigarette users (dual users) compared with those who do not use e-cigarettes (exclusive smokers). Data were analyzed from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Multivariate-adjusted regression models were used to examine the correlates of tobacco treatment use among adult smokers, comparing current e-cigarette users with those who did not use e-cigarettes, stratifying by age group, and adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Analyses were based on 5415 adult current cigarette smokers. Compared to exclusive smokers, dual users were more likely to report a quit attempt in the past year among adults <65 years: 18–24 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.25), 25–44 years (OR = 1.60), and 45–64 years (OR = 1.96). With the exception of adults ≥65 years, dual users reported low rates of using combination (behavioral and pharmacological) treatments that were not statistically different from exclusive smokers: 18–24 years (0.1% vs. 2.1%, respectively), 25–44 years (4.3% vs. 4.7%), and 45–64 years (3.0% vs. 8.3%). Despite higher likelihood for dual users to make a quit attempt, their use of evidence-based tobacco treatment is low, similar to exclusive smokers. Dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes represent a prime target for interventions to expand access and utilization of evidence-based tobacco use treatments.

Evaluation of the Taking Texas Tobacco Free Workplace Program within behavioral health centers.

Despite the health benefits of tobacco control and cessation initiatives, tobacco users with behavioral health disorders (BHDs) have less access to evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment. Academic-community partnerships can help guide the translation of tobacco-related research findings and evidence-based guidelines into real-world applications. Through a comprehensive, evidence-based, multilevel, and multicomponent program, Taking Texas Tobacco Free (TTTF) facilitated the implementation of tobacco-free workplaces at 18 local mental health authorities in Texas, comprising over 250 individual community behavioral health centers. Compared with preprogram implementation, key accomplishments postimplementation include: (1) educated over 5,000 employees (nonclinical staff and providers) on the hazards of tobacco use and benefits of quitting, particularly among people with BHD; providers were additionally trained on the use of evidence based practices (EBPs; i.e. 5A's model, use of pharmacotherapy) to identify and treat tobacco use among people with BHD; (2) providers' significant increase in conducting tobacco-use assessments and using EBPs; (3) significant decrease in nonclinical staff tobacco use; (4) increase in quit attempts among consumers as evidenced by the demand for nicotine replacement therapy; and (5) reach to over 115,000 community members through outreach and education about the benefits of quitting tobacco use and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. TTTF demonstrated that the implementation of a comprehensive tobacco-free workplace program in behavioral health settings is feasible and beneficial, facilitating the capacity building of healthcare professionals and enhancing their resulting engagement in EBPs, and promoting healthier lifestyles among employees, consumers, and community members as a whole.

Evaluation of a Train-the-Trainer Program to Build Capacity for Training Tobacco Treatment Specialists.

Tobacco-treatment specialists (TTSs) and high-quality TTS training programs are needed to improve access to evidence-based tobacco-dependence treatment. To meet this demand, the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Medical School developed the Train-the-Trainer in Tobacco Treatment (T4) program to build a cadre of trainers to deliver the accredited UMass TTS training programs. This paper reports on the feasibility and quality of TTS trainings led by Certified UMass TTS Trainers (Trainer-led) compared with trainings led by UMass staff (On-site). Data were collected between September 2014 and June 2017. Feasibility included the number of Trainers, Trainer-led programs, and participants. Quality compared participant exam results and evaluations of the two training program types. Fifty-three Trainers were certified during 2014-2017, and conducted 26 TTS trainings with 351 participants. There were no significant differences in participant mean exam scores [On-site = 86.33 (SD = 7.83); Trainer-led = 86.15 (SD = 8.47)], and a similar percentage of participants obtained a passing score on the exam (On-site 94.4%, Trainer-led 94.0%). There were no significant differences in increased self-efficacy in delivering effective tobacco-treatment services [On-site = 2.92, Trainer-led = 2.93; p = .52 (3-point Likert scale, 1 = not at all, 3 = a great deal)] or in overall satisfaction with the training [On-site = 3.84; Trainer-led = 3.81; p = .072 (4-point Likert scale, 1 = very dissatisfied, 4 = very satisfied)]. The Trainer-led model expanded the number of UMass-trained TTSs with equivalent participant knowledge and perceived improvement in ability to deliver effective tobacco-dependence treatment compared with the gold-standard training model. It offers a potentially more accessible option for training TTSs compared with the On-site model. Train-the-Trainer in Tobacco Treatment (T4) has increased the capacity to deliver high-quality training to healthcare providers who might not otherwise have access to an accredited TTS training program. Certified Trainers effectively identified potential participants and delivered training that was equivalent in quality to the standard UMass TTS Core Training program. There were no significant differences between the training models in two critical measures: (1) participant exam scores and (2) participants' rating of improvement in their ability to deliver effective tobacco-dependence treatment. Organizations can now choose from two equally effective models for delivering TTS training based on their unique needs and training populations.

Feasibility of a Systems Approach to Treat Commercial Tobacco Dependence within American Indian Health Clinics.

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have the highest smoking prevalence, smoking-related disease, and mortality rates of any racial or ethnic group. Three AI health clinics in Minnesota implemented an evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment intervention that included provider education and customized clinical system tools. A baseline assessment of each clinic facility guided the focus of the intervention and tailored the clinical system tools. Clinic staff were assessed with pre/post-training evaluations and annual assessments. Results indicated self-reported improvements in the rate of identifying smoking status (57% to 89%), documenting smoking status (from 60% to 80%), and providing evidence-based treatments such as pharmacotherapy (from 36% to 78%).

Tobacco Dependence Treatment Grants: A Collaborative Approach to the Implementation of WHO Tobacco Control Initiatives.

The number of global tobacco-related deaths is projected to increase from about 6 million to 8 million annually by 2030, with more than 80% of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) came into force in 2005 and Article 14 relates specifically to the treatment of tobacco dependence. However, LMICs, in particular, face several barriers to implementing tobacco dependence treatment. This paper is a descriptive evaluation of a novel grant funding mechanism that was initiated in 2014 to address these barriers. Global Bridges. Healthcare Alliance for Tobacco Dependence Treatment aims to create and mobilize a global network of healthcare professionals and organizations dedicated to advancing evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment and advocating for effective tobacco control policy. A 2014 request for proposals (RFP) focused on these goals, particularly in LMICs, where funding for this work had been previously unavailable. 19 grants were awarded by Global Bridges to organizations in low- and middle-income countries across all six WHO regions. Virtually all focused on developing a tobacco dependence treatment curriculum for healthcare providers, while also influencing the political environment for Article 14 implementation. As a direct result of these projects, close to 9,000 healthcare providers have been trained in tobacco dependence treatment and an estimated 150,000 patients have been offered treatment. Because most of these projects are designed with a “train-the-trainer” component, two years of grant funding has been a tremendous catalyst for accelerating change in tobacco dependence treatment practices throughout the world. In order to foster such exponential growth and continue to maintain the impact of these projects, ongoing financial, educational, and professional commitments are required.

Improving tobacco dependence treatment outcomes for smokers of lower socioeconomic status: A randomized clinical trial

IntroductionEvidence-based treatments for tobacco dependence are significantly less effective for smokers of lower socioeconomic status which contributes to socioeconomic disparities in smoking prevalence rates and health. We aimed to reduce the socioeconomic gradient in treatment outcomes by systematically adapting evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral treatment for tobacco dependence for diverse lower socioeconomic smokers. MethodsParticipants were randomized to adapted or standard treatment, received six 1-h group treatment sessions, and were followed for six months. We examined the effectiveness of the adapted treatment to improve treatment outcomes for lower socioeconomic groups. ResultsParticipants (n=227) were ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse. The adapted treatment significantly reduced the days to relapse for the two lowest socioeconomic groups: SES1: M=76.6 (SD 72.9) vs. 38.3 (SD 60.1) days to relapse (RR=0.63 95% CI, 0.45, 0.88, p=0.0013); SES2: M=88.2 (SD 67.3) vs. 40.1 (SD 62.6 days to relapse (RR=0.57 95% CI, 0.18, 0.70, p=0.0024). Interactions between socioeconomic status and condition were significant for initial abstinence (OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.09, 1.46, p=0.002), approached significance for 3-month abstinence (OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.80, 1.01, p<0.071), and were not significant for 6-month abstinence (OR=0.99 95% CI 0.88, 1.10, p=0.795). No significant differences in long-term abstinence were observed. ConclusionSystematic adaption of evidence-based treatment for tobacco dependence can significantly improve initial and short-term treatment outcomes for diverse lower socioeconomic smokers and reduce inequities in days to relapse. Novel methods of providing targeted extended support are needed to improve long-term outcomes.

Evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment support for mental health/addiction patients in Portugal (Brazil-Portugal Champions Project)

Evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment support for mental health/addiction patients in Portugal (Brazil-Portugal Champions Project)

Global Bridges: Development and Analysis of a Tobacco Treatment Network

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) set standards for global tobacco control, including the implementation of evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment. However, efforts to implement tobacco treatment programmes globally have been few. In order to expand tobacco treatment expertise and programmes, a new network called Global Bridges (GB) was established. This network provided training in tobacco treatment and opportunities to share best practices on implementation of tobacco dependence treatment and training programmes. In this analysis of the GB network, we found that 75% of the network members attended trainings, 60% disseminated knowledge gained through GB training, and network centralization was high (0.85). These results demonstrate initial success in network implementation, and create a foundation for expanded focus on tobacco treatment globally.

Measuring the Integration of Tobacco Policy and Treatment into the Behavioral Health Care Delivery System: How Are We Doing?

People with a mental illness and/or drug use disorder have a higher rate of smoking than adults in general. To address this challenge, recommendations include integrating tobacco-free policies and tobacco dependency treatment into the behavioral health care delivery system. Currently, little is known regarding levels of such integration. A 65-item Internet survey measuring integration assessed three areas: a) policies addressing the use of tobacco products; b) provision of evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment; and, c) capacity to help employees/volunteers quit tobacco use. The survey was distributed to representatives of all behavioral health programs in Wisconsin. The survey response rate was 27.1%. Programs, on average, were 40% integrated. A significant proportion of programs (20%) were less than 20% integrated. A few programs (4.3%) exceeded 80% integration. Integration of tobacco policies and treatment into the behavioral health care delivery system remains limited and there is a need for technical assistance and training.