An integrated computer-based system to support nicotine dependence treatment in primary care

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Tobacco use remains a significant public health concern, particularly within medically indigent populations.
• Effective screening and intervention strategies are crucial for smoking cessation in primary care settings.
• Integrating technology can enhance patient engagement and data collection for tobacco cessation programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a computer-based system for tobacco-user identification and smoking cessation intervention.
• To assess the feasibility of using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology for this purpose in a managed care population.
• To improve the linkage between patient-reported tobacco use and clinician intervention.

Main Methods:

• An Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system was implemented to screen 2,039 primary care patients for tobacco use prior to appointments.
• Automated, computer-generated reminders were provided to clinicians for identified smokers.
• A post-visit interview assessed patient-provider discussions on smoking cessation.

Main Results:

• Out of 1,086 patients completing the IVR screening (53% completion rate), 421 (39%) were identified as current smokers.
• 48% of interviewed smokers reported discussing cessation with their provider.
• 71% of participants found the IVR system a valuable method for sharing health information.

Conclusions:

• Automated data capture using IVR technology is a feasible and potentially useful strategy for tobacco-use screening in primary care.
• The system can facilitate clinician awareness and prompt smoking cessation interventions.
• Further integration of such technologies may enhance patient-provider communication and health outcomes.