Incorporating Disease-Oriented Smoking Cessation Education into the Care of Smokers with Peripheral Arterial Disease

Abstract

Background and Significance Smoking is a major health issue in the United States, with nearly 18% of the population being reported as active smokers. Smoking is a contributing factor to many chronic diseases, such as peripheral arterial disease, and is a public health concern significant to nursing practice. Problem Statement Despite evidence of the detriments of smoking, many patients with peripheral arterial disease receive minimal smoking cessation education, and cessation aides are rarely utilized. Project Design A disease-oriented smoking cessation education intervention was developed modeling the 5 A's of smoking cessation and utilized for active smokers with peripheral arterial disease. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of implementing the practice change in a specialty practice. Evaluation Plan Patients' number of cigarettes smoked daily, readiness to change, and attitudes towards the intervention were evaluated. Percent of eligible people who obtained the intervention were tracked to evaluate process. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention was a major consideration. Results The intervention reached 69% of those who met inclusion criteria. Most participants found the intervention helpful. Participants reduced smoking by 60.8% and moved forward toward smoking cessation by 1.0 stage of change. A cost/benefit analysis revealed the intervention was cost-effective. Recommendations This cost-effective practice change should be implemented across a variety of practice settings as part of comprehensive healthcare approach to smoking cessation.