OUTPACE Tobacco study protocol: a tobacco-free workplace program for dissemination and implementation in opioid use...

Tobacco use is exceedingly high among individuals with opioid addiction but not commonly addressed in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) due to a combination of pro-smoking social norms in OTPs, providers' lack of training, and the complex relationship between chronic pain and tobacco use. Comprehensive tobacco-free workplace programs in OTPs can address tobacco use with evidence-based policies and practices, but work is needed for adaptation to this specific setting. Project aims are to successfully implement, evaluate, and disseminate an adapted workplace intervention in OTPs.

Called [Opioid Use Treatment Programs Advancing Cessation Efforts] OUTPACE Tobacco, the intervention will include tobacco-free workplace policy implementation, clinical workflow changes, employee education, specialized provider training, and resource provision, including connection with treatment through the MD Anderson Tobacco Quitline at 2 Texas OTPs. A mixed method, hybrid effectiveness-implementation design will guide the work; the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment framework will guide multiple implementation strategies aimed at integrating tobacco dependence care (e.g., screening, brief intervention, and referral for longer-term care) into the clinical workflow.

Success will be measured by pragmatic implementation outcomes of acceptability, penetration, and sustainment; clinical outcomes (e.g., patient quit attempts, abstinence) will be assessed with patient/quitline records. Dissemination activities will include the distribution of an implementation guide and technical assistance provision to other OTPs. Innovation of this protocol includes novelty of application in OTPs and the use of a cancer center's quitline to deliver tobacco treatment. Results from OUTPACE Tobacco will inform tobacco control implementation science while providing practical guidance about integrating best practice recommendations in treating tobacco use disorder in OTPs; ultimately, similar implementations could mitigate the tobacco use disparities experienced by OTP patients.

Not applicable.