Improving Tobacco Quitline Referrals
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Referral Practices for Smokers to a State Tobacco Quitline in a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center
A new study, co-authored by Dr. Geri Donenberg and the MiQUIT CARE study team, explores the knowledge, attitudes, and referral practices of healthcare providers working in federally qualified healthcare centers regarding state tobacco quitlines. The findings highlight the critical need for enhanced training and systemic support to improve smoking cessation outcomes, particularly among underserved populations.
This research sheds light on significant barriers healthcare providers face when addressing smoking cessation, including limited awareness of tobacco quitline resources and challenges integrating referrals into routine care practices. The study emphasizes the importance of equipping providers with the tools and training necessary to make effective referrals, ensuring that patients, especially those from underserved communities, have access to evidence-based cessation resources.
The findings underscore a broader need to strengthen the infrastructure within healthcare systems to better support providers. This includes improving the availability and accessibility of quitline services, creating streamlined referral processes, and fostering greater provider-patient communication about smoking cessation benefits. These efforts are crucial in addressing health disparities and reducing the burden of tobacco-related illnesses.
Why This Matters?
By enhancing provider knowledge and capacity, this study offers a pathway to improve smoking cessation efforts and health equity. Strengthening the connection between healthcare providers and state tobacco quitlines can lead to better health outcomes for patients in underserved communities, ultimately reducing the long-term impact of smoking on vulnerable populations.
