The Difference a Decade Makes: Smoking Cessation Counseling and Screening at Pediatric Visits

Conclusion:
These results demonstrate a significant increase in tobacco counseling by pediatric providers within the last decade, especially at well-child visits. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation that pediatricians counsel about the harms of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure has not yet been exhaustively implemented.

Implications:
A significant increase in smoking cessation counseling at pediatric medical appointments, especially at well-child visits, occurred from 2009–2011 compared with 1997–1999, paralleling a large decrease in smoking prevalence. These improvements in counseling rates have been predominantly noted for pediatricians but not mid-level providers or general practitioners. Counseling was not associated with increased visit lengths. Although improved counseling practices by pediatricians have been demonstrated, there is still room for improvement.

Source: Nicotine and Tobacco Research - October 7, 2016 Category: Addiction Authors: Cawkwell, P. B., Lee, L., Shearston, J., Sherman, S. E., Weitzman, M. Tags: Original Investigation Source Type: research