Tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. What are medical practices doing to encourage tobacco cessation among their patients? Data from the National Study of Physician Organizations surveys from 2006-2013 sheds light on the use of tobacco cessation processes in medical practices over time and on the factors associated with their implementation. Findings described in our recent publication suggest that state-mandated coverage for tobacco-cessation treatment and increased use of external incentives, such as pay for performance and public reporting programs, may improve care for patients who use tobacco.
Read the full article online from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Ramsay PP, Shortell SM, Casalino LP, Rodriguez HP, Rittenhouse DR. “A longitudinal study of medical practices’ treatment of patients who use tobacco.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine. September 2015. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2015.07.005 [e-pub ahead of print].