Optimising behavioural tobacco treatments by enhancing patient-provider communication

05 May 2022
Clinical Research Results Abstract Research Idea Abstract Outline of the research questionSmoking cessation interventions often rely on behavioural change therapies, and the way these therapies are provided has a strong influence on the likelihood of a smoker quitting for good. My research aims to improve engagement with such therapies by understanding how best to support smokers through better interpersonal communication with therapists. The main objectives are to: (1) use novel methods to improve understanding of interaction style and quantify its effect; (2) operationalise the use of such knowledge to increase smokers’ engagement with treatment.BackgroundAlthough the proportion of people who smoke is decreasing steadily, the total number of smokers has risen in many parts of the world increasing to 1.1 billion in 2019 and causing 7.7 million deaths worldwide. Despite intensive public health research and widespread campaigns, successfully treating tobacco dependence remains a challenge, especially in disadvantaged populations. One reason for this is low levels of engagement with interventions designed to help and support people to quit, with poorer people being more likely to drop out of treatment early.Possible methodologyThe research will use a range of sources, including Stop Smoking Services data, from the UK, USA and Pakistan. It will explore which parts of the treatment and smoker-practitioner relationship are important, both scientifically and from the point-of-view of smokers themselves. The research will help identify different interaction styles and measures for their quality assessment and then evaluate the effects of these interaction styles using routine smoking cessation data.Questions to discussWhat data sources would be most appropriate for this research?What methods would be best to determine the effects of interaction-focused approaches? Service Development & Evaluation Abstract Declaration of Interest none to declare References and Clinical Trial Registry Information

Resource information

Respiratory conditions
  • Tobacco Dependence
Type of resource
Abstract
Conference
Malaga 2022
Author(s)
Omara Dogar, University of York