Office-based intervention for tobacco dependence

The routine delivery of brief, supportive counseling combined with medication treatment delivered in a patient-centered fashion will alter the rising tide of tobacco-related disease. Health care professionals can effectively intervene with smokers in any outpatient setting. Successful tobacco treatment requires trained staff, providers who are motivated to implement evidenced-based therapies, and office systems that support quality care for chronic and relapsing conditions. This article discusses strategies for addressing tobacco dependence and offers specific approaches that can promote behavioral change. An overarching model of chronic care delivery applied to tobacco dependence is presented. The application of proved treatments using this model of care will result in desired outcomes, for both patients and providers.