Evaluating the utility of a Smoking Cessation Clinical Pathway tool to promote nicotine prescribing and use among inpatients of a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionDue to the burden of tobacco-related illnesses among hospital inpatients, an evidence-based smoking cessation brief intervention tool was developed for clinicians working in hospitals in Queensland, Australia. The tool, called the Smoking Cessation Clinical Pathway (SCCP), is used by clinicians to support inpatient smoking cessation and manage nicotine withdrawal in hospital.AimsTo investigate the impact of completed SCCP on nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) prescribing and use, and to explore clinician involvement in smoking cessation interventions.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted to examine data regarding SCCP responses and NRT offering, prescribing and use. The statistical significance of the results was assessed using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests.ResultsPatients with a completed SCCP were more likely to be offered NRT (P < 0.0001). NRT prescribing on admission and discharge was higher in patients with a completed SCCP (P = 0.001 and P = 0.027). Intention to quit had no effect on whether NRT was offered (P = 0.276) and NRT acceptance was higher for patients that intended to quit smoking (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe SCCP prompted clinicians to offer NRT to patients, leading to increased NRT prescribing and use. These findings demonstrate the utility of the SCCP to assist clinicians to promote smoking cessation among hospital inpatients.