Patient reactions to proactive tobacco cessation counseling using a decision aid in primary care: A qualitative study

Medications for smoking cessation can double quit rates but are underused in primary care. This qualitative study aimed to explore: (1) patients' perspectives regarding having their general practitioner (GP) use a proactive approach to smoking cessation treatment using an encounter decision aid (DA), and (2) their expectations regarding their GP's role. We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with participants of the FIRST randomized trial (adults who smoke daily with any level of motivation for tobacco quitting). In the FIRST study, the intervention was a half-day course teaching GPs to use a proactive approach using a DA. Control GPs received a 1-h refresher training. Phone interviews were run 5-16 weeks after a routine visit with their GP. A thematic data analysis was performed with 20% double independent coding. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews (mean age 49 years, 55% female). In the intervention group (n = 12), 7 participants appreciated the DA, saw it as useful, usable, and valuable. Two participants did not find it helpful and 3 did not recall having used it. Participants felt their GP provided moral support, more than from a specialist (cardiologist or pulmonologist) because their GP knows them better and has more time during the visit. They felt that the most important factor influencing smoking cessation was their own motivation, not treatment. Most participants appreciated the DA. Most participants did not perceive medications as part of quitting. They thought quitting was a matter of motivation. A DA could be an acceptable way to encourage use of treatments to aid with tobacco cessation. An early presentation of treatment options to all persons who smokes may encourage them to request a treatment when ready to quit smoking. Patient perceptions of the role of GPs and treatments for smoking cessation may be a barrier to seeking help to quit.