Microsoft word - release - smoking cessation program aims to improve long-term quit rates vf nov 26 13

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Smoking Cessation Program Aims to Improve Long-Term Quit Rates
(Friday, November 29, 2013, Muskoka, ON) – Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) has launched a new smoking cessation program for inpatients at the two hospital sites in hopes of curbing smoking rates locally. The new program, which is a partnership between MAHC and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, began rolling out across both hospital sites in October and was spearheaded by MAHC’s Smoking Cessation Taskforce, which is made up of physician and nursing representation, pharmacy champions, respiratory therapists and public health. “The goal of the smoking cessation program is to improve long-term quit rates, which the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation has been successful in doing,” explains Natalie Bubela, Chief Executive Officer for MAHC. “Smoking is a leading cause of hospitalization and death and MAHC is stepping up to our role in supporting patients who want to quit smoking, but need a little help.” Prior to the launch of the program, there was no standardized protocol for smoking cessation interventions with inpatients. Now, anyone who is admitted to the hospital will be asked about their smoking history and tobacco users will receive a smoking cessation consult by a Registered Respiratory Therapist who will provide education and support for cessation, such as pharmacotherapy (i.e. nicotine replacement, Bupropion, or Varenicline) and follow-up support upon discharge. Staff have been undergoing training and physicians received a presentation from Dr. Andrew Pipe, world-renowned smoking cessation expert and founder of the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation. “There is definitely a need for this type of program as the smoking rate in Simcoe Muskoka is 22%, higher than the provincial rate of 17%,” adds Noreen Chan, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and Cardio-Respiratory Services. “And the Ottawa Model has shown an 11% increase in long-term quit rates post-hospitalization, which is really encouraging.” At the hospitals the program is being driven by the Cardio-Respiratory Department and supported by Nursing and the Pharmacy team. Madison Wright, Registered Respiratory Therapist, adds research has shown that the more tobacco users are reminded or asked about their smoking history or cessation goals, the more they will consider or attempt quitting. Further, patients are already thinking about their health when they are in the hospital. “Timing these interventions when patients are in the hospital is really effective too, even if they present with a cause unrelated to smoking,” says Wright. “Adopting this model has shown that it takes a village to help people quit using tobacco. We, as health care providers, enter the patient’s circle of care and have a decisive role to play in smoking cessation support. That’s the message we want all health care providers to hear.” If you, or someone you know, would like information or support to quit using tobacco, contact the Smokers’ Helpline toll free at 1-877-513-5333 or visit www.smokershelpline.ca. Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is a multi-site healthcare organization providing acute care services at the
Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge. Find out more about
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare by visiting www.mahc.ca.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Allyson Snelling
Executive and Communications Assistant
705-789-0022 ext. 2544
[email protected]

Source: http://www.mahc.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Release-SmokingCessationProgramAimstoImproveLong-TermQuitRatesNov2913.pdf