Survey on Tobacco-Cessation Practices and Policies (SToPP)

Abstract

Objective: 1) Analyze current practices and policies of otolaryngologists on tobacco-cessation counseling. 2) Analyze the relationship between formal training in tobacco-cessation and confidence in counseling and prescription therapy behavior by otolaryngologists.

Method: This survey of smoking cessation practices was performed at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and associated meetings in September 2010. Attendees were surveyed, and the results were compiled. Regression analysis was performed to further assess the effects of training on otolaryngologists’ confidence in counseling.

Results: A total of 207 surveys were collected; 202 respondents indicated training in otolaryngology. A total of 88.5% of otolaryngologists ask most or all of their patients about tobacco use at an initial encounter; 83.7% advise most to all of their patients to quit at this encounter; 64.5% assess most to all of their patients’ interest in quitting; 49.7% assess their reasons to quit; 22.3% arrange support between visits for most to all of their patients. Regression analysis revealed that training during medical school and after residency were independently associated with higher levels of confidence and higher rates of prescribed therapy for patients (all P < .025).

Conclusion: Otolaryngologists counsel their patients on tobacco at a low rate, and fewer provide patients with the support necessary to assist them in quitting. Formal training in tobacco-cessation was associated with higher levels of confidence. Further research is indicated to assess the utility and cost-effectiveness of tobacco-cessation training programs for otolaryngologists.