2006 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
Comprehensive Community Model: Tobacco Cessation/Treatment and Support
Laura R. Van Heest AS, RRT, NCTAS, Ann Dabkowski, BSN,
NCTAS; Saint Mary's Health Care, Grand Rapids, Michigan & Tobacco Free
Partners Cessation Center, Grand Rapids, MI.
Background: Tobacco Use is the leading cause of
preventable death and disease in the world.
Objective: To provide free, evidence -based tobacco
cessation program to the community by multiple providers.
Method: This is a unique story of how competitors became champions with
dedication and planning to create a model that every community can follow. Tobacco Free Partners® (TFP) collaborative
took over the management of "Tobacco
Free for Good©" (TFFG) in 2000. TFFG is a
six-week/seven session smoking cessation program. The easily accessible classes
are free and held throughout the year at a variety of locations. Relapse
prevention support groups are included: "Nicotine Anonymous" and "The
Quitters." TFP Cessation
Coordinator monitors the program and trains the facilitators. The statistical database was modeled after
the Mayo Clinic Intake Survey.
Participants are generally female, mean age is mid 40's, moderately
-highly addicted as measured by the Fagerstrom
survey, 47% self report some degree of depression, most smoke at least a pack
of cigarettes a day and have an income of < $50,000 a year.
Summary: Beginning January 2000 to date over 400 people have attended classes.
The partnership of four hospitals and one health insurance group has grown the
availability of classes from 8 to 25 classes a year. Saint Mary's Health Care
has been involved in this partnership from the beginning, represented by
multiple physicians; nurses and respiratory therapists. Initial assessment indicates that 70% of the
people, who complete the program, leave the program as non-smokers. One-year cessation rates are 35%.
Conclusion: The major public health threat to our community is the use of tobacco.
As health care providers it is our obligation to educate and lead our community
in this effort We reduce barriers to smoking cessation by providing an evidence
- based community program that is recognizable, free and easy to access.