Evaluation of a Systems-Based Tobacco Cessation Program Using Bedside Volunteers.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Hospitalization presents a critical opportunity for tobacco cessation interventions.
• Integrating bedside tobacco cessation support with post-discharge Quitline services can enhance patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility, uptake, and cessation outcomes of a volunteer-delivered, hospital-based tobacco cessation program.
• To identify patient characteristics associated with successful referral and sustained tobacco abstinence post-discharge.

Main Methods:

• Trained volunteers approached inpatients, offering cessation brochures and fax-referrals to the Delaware Quitline using the ASK-ADVISE-CONNECT model.
• A 3-month post-discharge follow-up survey assessed tobacco use, with data analyzed using multivariable regression.

Main Results:

• 72% of admitted tobacco users were visited by volunteers, with 38% referred to the Quitline and 36% of those accepting services.
• 37% of patients reported 30-day abstinence at 3 months (18% intent-to-treat).
• Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during hospitalization predicted Quitline referral (OR=1.97); Quitline engagement (OR=3.21) and coronary artery disease predicted cessation.

Conclusions:

• A volunteer-led, "opt-out" tobacco cessation program is feasible for connecting hospital inpatients to Quitline services.
• Post-discharge Quitline engagement is crucial for tobacco abstinence, and NRT during hospitalization enhances referral success.