Using motivational interviewing for smoking cessation in primary care.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Smoking cessation remains a significant public health challenge.
• Effective counseling strategies are crucial for improving quit rates.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) is a promising approach for behavior change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of resident physician-led MI, MI with registered nurse (RN) follow-up, and the 5 As counseling approach.
• To assess impacts on smoking behaviors, self-efficacy, and nicotine dependence.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction with different intervention models.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design with a comparison group was employed.
• Data were collected at baseline and via telephone at 1 and 2 months post-visit.
• Interventions included resident physician MI, resident physician MI plus RN, and the 5 As standard care.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in quit rates or stages of change were observed among groups.
• All groups showed a decrease in cigarettes smoked per day.
• MI groups demonstrated higher self-efficacy and lower nicotine dependence; the MI plus RN group showed increased patient satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Resident physician motivational interviewing significantly impacts patients' smoking behaviors.
• Collaborative care involving resident physicians and RNs enhances patient satisfaction and outcomes.
• MI is an effective tool for reducing smoking intensity and improving self-efficacy.