Researcher(s)
- Joy Harrison, Psychology, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Megan McMahon, Psychosocial Oncology, University of Delaware
- Hillary Howrey, Psychosocial Oncology, University of Delaware
Abstract
Title: Tobacco Cessation Pilot: A quality improvement project
Background:
Smoking accounts for more than 480,000 deaths annually in America. Given the significant health issues tobacco use causes, including cancer, it is important to make sure communities fully understand the negative impact smoking can have on one’s health as well as the benefits of cutting back or quitting. The purpose of the present study was to assess the demographic composition of a clinical pilot program conducted in the Thoracic Multidisciplinary Center (MDC) at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute.
Methods:
Data were retrospectively reviewed from a three-month pilot study that was conducted in the Thoracic MDC to increase psychoeducation about the benefits of reducing or quitting smoking tobacco while providing immediate connection to behavioral and medication resources. Patient data (N = 33; Mage = 71.4, SDage = 10.13) included demographic information, cancer diagnosis and treatment, smoking status, and results of follow-up services. Demographic and descriptive statistics were calculated on Microsoft Excel.
Results:
The sample consisted of 30 White patients (91%) and 3 Black patients (9%). The most common cancer diagnoses were Lung (81.8%) followed by Esophageal (12.1%), and Other/Non-Cancer (6.1%), which was not significantly different between the racial groups. Forty-five percent (45%) of the patients in the pilot received psychoeducation and/or intervention.
Discussion:
Results display that providing psychoeducation in the Thoracic MDC may be an impactful way, or a ‘teachable moment,’ for patients to inform them about the benefits of reducing their tobacco use or smoking while receiving cancer treatment. While not everyone in the pilot was a smoker, data suggests that approximately 50% of these patients would benefit from psychoeducation. Future research should aim to assess the program’s success in a more representative sample or at multiple locations to assure that the program is generalizable.