Implementation of 5 A's Smoking Cessation Method in a Primary Care Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase rates of smoking cessation counseling in a primary care practice by implementing the 5 A’s smoking cessation method. This project was implemented in a primary care practice with three physicians, one nurse practitioner, and one physician assistant. This practice is located in the north-central region of North Carolina. The methods of this study included educational in-services regarding the 5 A’s smoking cessation method including information and instructions for completion during routine comprehensive physical exams and documentation requirements. Retrospective chart analysis was completed pre and post project implementation to evaluate for improvement in two intended outcomes. These outcomes were improvement in provider completion of smoking cessation counseling using the 5 A’s smoking cessation method and improvement in provider billing for smoking cessation counseling. The results of this project were an improvement in smoking cessation counseling completion from zero to 66% and an improvement in provider billing for smoking cessation counseling from zero to 38%.