Implementation of a relapse prevention program among smokers undergoing arthroplasty: lessons learned

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Surgery motivates smoking cessation to reduce complications.
• Patients often resume smoking post-surgery due to lack of continued support.
• Effective postoperative smoking cessation interventions are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the StayQuit program for preventing smoking relapse after arthroplasty.
• To identify challenges and lessons learned from implementing a postoperative smoking cessation program.

Main Methods:

• Case study design examining recruitment and program components.
• Post hoc analysis of implementation challenges using collected data.
• Evaluation of the StayQuit program's feasibility.

Main Results:

• Implementation of the StayQuit program is currently unfeasible.
• Key challenges include low engagement in preoperative programs and unfavorable enrollment conditions.
• Lack of engagement in the Orthopedic Surgery Quit Smoking Program (OSQSP) was a primary barrier.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative relapse prevention programs can benefit patients who quit smoking before surgery.
• Surgeon behavior, team collaboration, and enrollment best practices are crucial for program success.
• Further research is needed to optimize implementation strategies for sustained smoking cessation in surgical settings.