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A qualitative study of patients views of a secondary care smoking cessation service
Vivian Binnie, Lecturer, University of Glasgow Dental School, UK
Abstract
Background:
Smoking, in addition to the well-known general health effects, also has a detrimental effect on patients oral health, including the development of oral cancer. Qualitative research was carried out with patients with potentially malignant oral lesions, recruited to a smoking cessation trial within an outpatient (dental) hospital setting.
Methods:
A purposive sample of nine patients who participated within the trial were interviewed, including patients who quit, had reduced or continued to smoke. The interviews were taped, transcribed and analysed to determine emergent themes.
Results:
Patients views of the referral process to secondary care was examined. While most had been referred by their dentist, some of the patients had accessed services via their general medical practitioner. Information given on the role that smoking played in their oral condition was limited, both by dental and medical staff. Two participants were surprised to find that tobacco could affect their mouth, and expressed shock at being referred. Patients were positive regarding help received, and telephone counselling was seen as being particularly helpful. All participants identified that group therapy would not have addressed their needs.
Conclusion:
While patients were positive with regards to the stop smoking service available, provision of NRT was identified as an area that could be enhanced.
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About the presenter
Dr Viv Binnie is a clinical lecturer based at University of Glasgow Dental School. Her research interests include the role of oral health professionals in tobacco-related work. She has also managed two smoking cessation trials within a secondary care setting, including an RCT with periodontal patients (the topic of her PhD), and has received funding from ASH Scotland (PATH) to utilise behaviour change counselling with patients who have potentially malignant lesions. She lectures on the topic of smoking cessation at undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional education levels. Dr Binnie is currently chair of the Scottish Tobacco Researchers Group, and a vice-chair of the coordinating group of Scottish Tobacco Control Alliance.
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