Pilot of a preoperative smoking cessation intervention incorporating post-discharge support from a Quitline

Issue addressed: The study sought to assess the potential efficacy of a comprehensive smoking cessation intervention for surgical patients. Methods: The study employed a modified historical controlled trial design. Participants were recruited from a preoperative clinic of an Australian hospital in 2003. Patients allocated to the experimental group received a comprehensive smoking cessation intervention incorporating preoperative computerised smoking cessation counselling, tailored self-help material, brief advice from preoperative clinical staff, NRT, telephone counselling, and proactive post-discharge telephone support from a Quitline. Results: At the six month follow-up 12% of 66 usual care control group participants and 25% of 52 experimental group participants reported being abstinent (p=0.07). Conclusions: Comprehensive smoking cessation interventions initiated preoperatively and incorporating post-discharge support from a Quitline may be efficacious in increasing smoking abstinence.