Interviewing Tips to Help Smokers Stop in On-Demand Webinar
It’s important to ask all patients about tobacco use during every visit according to one of the speakers featured on Meeting Quality Measures for Tobacco Treatment, an On-Demand Webinar produced by atom Alliance.
Pamela Graef Luckett, the Tobacco Quitline manager for Information and Quality Healthcare, said any healthcare professional who has ever talked to patients about tobacco use has probably seen shoulders go up (or other signs of tension) indicating the patient is not receptive to the conversation.
Practical advice and useful tips from Luckett and the American Cancer Society’s Strategic Director for Cancer Treatment Access Dawn E. Wiatrek, Ph.D. are covered in the one-hour webinar. One tip on motivational interviewing techniques is to ask permission.
“It’s important to say ‘Do you mind if we talk about your tobacco use.’ That gives insight into their motivational level to quit,” Luckett explained. “Most people will say ‘Okay go ahead: I know what you are going to say,’ but will be receptive for you to at least start talking about the problem and what to do about it.”
The webinar can help healthcare professionals:
- Learn about the various quality reporting measures for tobacco use and cessation including strategies and recommendations for capturing data in electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Understand strategies for implementing efficient, evidence-based tobacco cessation services designed to maximize outcomes and meet reimbursement requirements
- Be aware of the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Counseling Medicare Benefits
- Gain a better understanding of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Best Practice training to discuss tobacco using the 5 A’s – Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist and Arrange
- Review motivational interviewing questions and statements to obtain the most information from the patient in a short amount of time
- Understand the importance of not only addressing the tobacco use, but making a referral to help the patient take action to quit tobacco use
- Understand the value of the national network of Tobacco Quitlines, 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669), and how they can help patients quit
atom Alliance provides technical assistance to help providers develop strategies for reaching and educating patients to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Go here for a list of associates dedicated to the cardiac health initiative in the states served by atom Alliance.
