Risk Factor Modification Behaviors of Practicing Vascular Surgeons

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Public Health
• Tobacco Cessation

Background:

• Smoking remains a primary modifiable risk factor for vascular disease.
• Vascular surgeons may lack involvement in patient risk factor modification.
• This study investigates surgeon involvement in tobacco cessation and its relation to practice variables.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess vascular surgeons' engagement in tobacco cessation.
• To determine if practice variables influence the provision of cessation services.
• To identify gaps in training and practice regarding risk factor modification.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous electronic surveys distributed to Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Society members (n=633).
• Assessment of practice variables: training duration, practice type (academic/non-academic), hospital size, region, workload.
• Data analyzed using univariate contingency tables.

Main Results:

• High rates of asking smoking status (97%) and advising cessation (95%), but low rates of prescribing cessation medications (34%) or follow-up (7%).
• Surgeons prescribing cessation medications were more likely to offer other risk factor modifications.
• Academic surgeons were less likely to perform endovascular procedures for smokers but more likely to prescribe antihyperlipid medication.

Conclusions:

• Significant variation exists in tobacco cessation techniques employed by vascular surgeons.
• Most vascular surgeons feel inadequately trained in cessation and risk factor modification.
• Improved education in vascular surgery training programs is recommended to address tobacco dependence.