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Promoting smoking cessation in the rehabilitation setting
T J Guilmette1, S I Motta, W G Shadel
1Department of Psychology, Providence College, and Southern New England Rehabilitation Center, Rhode Island 02918, USA.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|July 28, 2001
Summary
Smoking is a significant health issue for patients in rehabilitation, especially the elderly. Inpatient rehabilitation offers a crucial "teachable moment" for smoking cessation programs to improve patient health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for stroke, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers.
- Elderly smokers experience a decline in physical functioning due to chronic illnesses.
- An estimated 18% of men and 15% of women aged 65-74 smoke, with over 30% of hospitalized Americans being smokers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence and significance of smoking in the inpatient rehabilitation population.
- To emphasize the missed opportunity for smoking cessation interventions in rehabilitation settings.
- To advocate for the implementation of formal smoking cessation and relapse prevention programs within rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- This study is based on existing research and clinical observations regarding smoking prevalence and cessation rates.
- It analyzes the potential impact of hospitalization and medical crises on smoking behaviors.
- The study discusses the challenges and opportunities for health promotion in rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- Smoking cessation rates after transient ischemic attack are low (30%), despite known health benefits.
- Hospitalization may initiate non-smoking periods for some patients due to smoke-free policies.
- The rehabilitation setting presents a unique "teachable moment" for smoking cessation interventions.
Conclusions:
- Discussing smoking's health effects is crucial for patients in inpatient rehabilitation, particularly the elderly and those with cerebrovascular issues.
- Formal smoking cessation or relapse prevention programs in rehabilitation can yield significant healthcare benefits.
- Integrating health promotion, like smoking cessation, into rehabilitation is vital despite healthcare system constraints.