Vascular surgery patients are more likely to quit smoking when their physician offered the right kind of assistance, according to a new pilot study conducted by physicians from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., and Boston Medical Center.
Here are five points:
1. The study nicknamed "VAPOR," was supported by a grant from the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation.
2. Investigators examined 156 patients who were either offered advice from physicians for smoking cessation as well as nicotine replacement medications and information about phone counseling, or the usual medical care.
3. Researchers found that most patients wanted a personalized approach to help them quit, even when facing surgery.
4. Additionally, patients also benefited from hearing about others who had succeeded at quitting and who had successful surgeries.
5. The study led to the development of a program that was adapted for use at Boston Medical Center.
