The kit, Providers Practice Prevention: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, is designed to assist medical and dental professionals in counseling tobacco users. Through a partnership developed between the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program and the Kentucky Cancer Program (KCP) at the University of Louisville, the program gives Kentucky’s health care providers the tools they need to help patients quit smoking.  This project was funded with Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement monies.

            The self-study kit was sent last year to over 1500 physicians, dentists and psychologists around the state. It includes a 30-minute video and a reference guide with state-of-the-art materials to encourage and assist patients in their attempts to quit smoking. The reference guide is based on the federal clinical practice guideline, which stresses the importance of doctor’s advice, effectiveness of certain medications and the necessity of social support in quit attempts.

            “Overall, initial evaluation has been very positive,” said Dr. Rice Leach, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health. “We are pleased that results indicate that participants intend to incorporate the new training into their daily practices and would renew their efforts to address tobacco use among patients. Doctors have learned important skills to identify tobacco users and then assist them with efforts to stop smoking. And they feel more comfortable and confident in their ability to help their patients succeed.” 

Providers were asked to complete a survey when they received the kit.

Based on those who completed the survey, there was a 36 percent increase in the number of doctors who were going to ask their patients if they use tobacco and the number more than tripled of those who would advise tobacco users to quit at every visit.  In addition, approximately 40 percent more participants reported they would take steps to assist patients willing to quit.

            “Comments by doctors on program evaluations revealed that many were surprised by the significant role they have in helping patients quit and that patients actually appreciate their doctor discussing it with them,” said Celeste Worth, KCP Professional Education Manager.

            Leach said they now are ready to expand the scope of the program. During phase II of this two-year project, the kit will be sent to dental hygienists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

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            “Studies show that simple steps recommended in this kit can more than double patient quit rates,” said Connie Sorrell, KCP Director. “So we are trying to put these kits in the hands of as many health care professionals as possible because they can have such a tremendous influence on patients. With the high incidence rate of lung cancer in Kentucky, we need to do everything we can to help treat tobacco use and dependence.”  Kentucky leads the nation in lung cancer incidence and mortality. The leading cause of lung cancer is smoking,

            “This is one of several programs we have implemented in Kentucky to educate the public of the negative health effects of tobacco use,” said Irene Centers, Program Manager.

            Current statistics indicate that 32 percent of Kentucky’s adults smoke.  Thirty-four percent of Kentucky’s high school students use cigarettes, and 15 percent of the state’s middle school students smoke.  It has been estimated that roughly 23 percent of Kentucky women smoke during their pregnancy. 

            Other partners in this project to educate Kentucky physicians who provided information and research resources include the Kentucky Medical Association, the Kentucky Dental Association, the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians-Kentucky Chapter, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists-Kentucky section, Kentucky Pediatric Society, Kentucky Osteopathic Medicine Association, Kentucky Board of Dentistry, the Jefferson County Medical Society, the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, Humana Inc., and KY ACTION.

            For information about the Kentucky Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, visit http://chs.ky.gov/publichealth/tobacco.htm. 

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