Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Smoking Cessation Support Group

Smoking rates nationally have declined over the past several decades, however, tobacco use in the North Country of upstate New York remains higher than the national average. Group discussion programs have been shown to be more effective for smoking cessation than pharmacologic efforts alone. A 7-week smoking cessation support group was started in Glens Falls, New York using the Butt Stops Here curriculum. Participants were encouraged to also use pharmacologic methods as directed by their medical providers. Participants completed a brief survey before and after the program. Participants generally felt less motivated, but more equipped to quit after the seven weeks. One participant out of eight was able to quit entirely and 7/8 participants were able to decrease their level of tobacco use. A larger sample size is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of this smoking cessation support group.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fmclerk/1400/thumbnail.jp

Patient Perspectives on Medication Assisted Therapy in Vermont

Introduction. Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) for opioid addiction has dramatically increased in Vermont, supported by a novel statewide system that integrates specialty treatment centers ( Hubs ) with primary care office-based opioid therapy ( Spokes ). In 2010, Vermont had the highest per capita buprenorphine use in the US. Previous studies of patient perspectives of MAT have identified social barriers, rigid program rules, and concerns about withdrawal and relapse as common causes of treatment failure. Our goal was to elicit patient perspectives on barriers and enablers of successful MAT to further inform system refinement. Methods. An interview guide was developed based on previous literature as well as discussions with program leadership, staff and clinicians, and community stakeholders. Responses were organized using thematic content analysis with consensus across seven interviewers and two analysts. The interviews were conducted with 44 patients enrolled in MAT at two Hub sites in Burlington, VT in October 2016. Results. The median age of subjects was 34 years, 34% were employed at least part-time, and 72% were female. Half reported a mental health condition and 20% reported chronic pain. Barriers included transportation (25%), lack of stable housing, and stigma (41%). Enablers included feeling supported (82% felt well-supported; 52% felt supported by healthcare professionals). Subjects expressed high confidence in the treatment system and high self-efficacy for sobriety. Conclusions. Patients in MAT have complex medical, mental health, social, personal, and work lives. A comprehensive system that addresses this wide range of domains is critical to achieving optimal outcomes.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1245/thumbnail.jp