ASCO issues to-do list on tobacco control
FROM THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
But there was a significant drop off when it came to following up with treatment options. Only 44% routinely discuss medication options and only 39% provide other cessation support. The respondents cited inadequate training in tobacco cessation interventions and patient resistance as some of the barriers.
Dr. Hudis said sometimes tobacco cessation falls through the cracks for busy physicians. "That just reminds us that everyone in health care is stretched these days, working hard and balancing priorities," he said. "We just have to make sure that this remains front and center."
For its part, ASCO plans to help develop cessation tools and resources for providers to integrate into their practices. ASCO is also calling for a stronger focus on tobacco cessation both in medical training and continuing medical education courses. The organization is encouraging credentialing organizations to include questions about tobacco-dependence treatment in their exams. ASCO plans to partner with the American Board of Internal Medicine to make sure there is tobacco cessation content in the oncology specialty training boards.
mschneider@frontlinemedcom.com
