Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma patients who smoke face significant challenges when attempting to quit smoking. However, a recent multicenter trial conducted in Turkey has shed light on the effectiveness of linking these patients to smoking cessation clinics for immediate assistance. The study, presented at the annual European Respiratory Society (ERS) congress in Vienna, demonstrated a substantial increase in quit rates among patients who were provided with timely and evidence-based smoking cessation support.
According to the trial results, patients who were immediately linked to a smoking cessation clinic had a self-reported quit rate of 27% at 3 months, compared to only 17% among those who received usual care. The difference in quit rates was statistically significant (P=0.014), highlighting the importance of integrating smoking cessation aid into routine care for patients with chronic airway diseases. It was noted that many patients with COPD and asthma continue to smoke even after being diagnosed, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
The multicenter trial enrolled 397 adults with COPD, asthma, or bronchiectasis who were current smokers. Participants were randomized to either immediate appointment at a smoking cessation clinic or standard care, which involved referral to a quitline. Patients in the intervention group had a significantly higher rate of clinic visits (75% vs 27%) and access to evidence-based medications for smoking cessation (69% vs 22%) at 3 months. The study highlighted the effectiveness of providing comprehensive support, including pharmacotherapy such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or bupropion, in helping patients quit smoking.
Limitations and Future Directions
While the results of the trial were promising, there were limitations that need to be addressed in future research. The lack of biochemical verification of smoking cessation is a potential confounding factor in self-reported outcomes. Additionally, the long-term sustainability of quit rates beyond 1 year remains uncertain. Further studies should focus on optimizing smoking cessation interventions for patients with chronic respiratory diseases and exploring novel approaches to enhance long-term success.
The study from Turkey provides valuable insights into the impact of immediate smoking cessation support for patients with COPD and asthma. By integrating evidence-based interventions into routine care, healthcare providers can significantly improve quit rates and help patients achieve long-term success in smoking cessation. Moving forward, a concerted effort should be made to prioritize smoking cessation assistance as an essential component of care for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases.
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