Hospital-based tobacco treatment for inpatients with a history of cancer

Abstract

Objective: To describe treatment engagement and outcomes of patients who smoke with cancer and received tobacco cessation treatment during hospitalization.

Method: We analyzed treatment engagement and cessation outcomes for hospitalized patients who smoke with a current or former history of cancer receiving treatment from an inpatient tobacco treatment service between July, 2018 to October, 2019.

Results: The service treated 407 inpatients. Patients had an overall high level of interest in quitting (7.6, 0-10 scale). One in three accepted cessation pharmacotherapies during hospitalization or at discharge (35%) and/or referral to the state tobacco quitline (37%). Of 189 patients reached at one-month post-discharge, 73 (39%) reported tobacco abstinence (18% intent to treat-ITT-quit rate); 35.5% had used cessation pharmacotherapy and 6.5% had engaged in quitline counseling. Of 151 patients reached at 6 months post-discharge, 29% reported abstinence (11%, ITT).

Conclusion: Inpatients with a history of cancer are interested in quitting. Post-discharge quit rates and pharmacotherapy use were high but quitline use was low. Hospitalization is an under-utilized, prime treatment opportunity and teachable moment for people with a history of cancer who continue to use tobacco.

Keywords: Cancer; Inpatient care; Intervention; Tobacco cessation; Tobacco use.