Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma patients who smoke often face challenges when attempting to quit smoking. However, a recent multicenter trial conducted in Turkey revealed promising results regarding the impact of immediate linkage to a smoking cessation clinic for these patients. The study, presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) congress in Vienna, showed that patients who were immediately referred to a smoking cessation clinic had significantly higher quit rates compared to those who received usual care.
Key Findings
The study, led by Dr. Dilek Karadogan from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University in Rize, Turkey, recruited nearly 400 smokers with COPD and asthma from respiratory clinics. The participants were randomized to either receive an immediate appointment at an outpatient smoking cessation clinic or to be referred to a smoking quitline for usual care. The results demonstrated that the self-reported quit rates at 3 months were 27% in the immediate-appointment group, as compared to 17% in the usual care group. This significant difference highlights the effectiveness of providing immediate smoking cessation aid as part of routine care for patients with chronic airway diseases.
Dr. Karadogan emphasized the importance of integrating smoking cessation assistance into the standard care of patients with COPD and asthma. The study revealed a five-fold increase in quit rates among patients who received evidence-based smoking cessation support. Moreover, a higher proportion of patients in the immediate-appointment group accessed smoking cessation clinics and received medication to aid in their quitting process. These findings underscore the value of offering timely and targeted interventions to help patients with chronic lung diseases achieve successful smoking cessation.
Despite the encouraging results of the study, there are some limitations to consider. The lack of biochemical verification of tobacco cessation is a notable drawback, as it may impact the accuracy of self-reported quit rates. Additionally, the long-term sustainability of the quit rates beyond the 3-month follow-up period remains uncertain. Further research is needed to assess the durability of the effects observed in the study and to explore potential strategies for maintaining smoking cessation success in the long term.
The trial conducted in Turkey has shed light on the significant benefits of immediately linking COPD and asthma patients who smoke to smoking cessation clinics. By offering evidence-based interventions and support, healthcare providers can empower patients to successfully quit smoking and improve their respiratory health outcomes. Moving forward, integrating smoking cessation aid as a standard component of care for patients with chronic airway diseases should be prioritized to enhance overall patient well-being and quality of life.
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