68. For the Patient Willing To Quit (Continued)
Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update
Strategy A5. Arrange—Ensure follow-up contact
Action | Strategies for implementation |
---|---|
Arrange for follow-up contacts, either in person or via telephone |
Timing. Follow-up contact should begin soon after the quit date, preferably during the first week. A second follow-up contact is recommended within the first month. Schedule further follow-up contacts as indicated. Actions during follow-up contact. For all patients, identify problems already encountered and anticipate challenges in the immediate future. Assess medication use and problems. Remind patients of quitline support (1-800-QUIT-NOW). Address tobacco use at next clinical visit (treat tobacco use as a chronic disease). For patients who are abstinent, congratulate them on their success. If tobacco use has occurred, review circumstances and elicit recommitment to total abstinence. Consider use of or link to more intensive treatment. |