Date Available

12-8-2016

Year of Publication

2016

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advisor

Dr. Sharon E. Lock

Committee Member

Dr. Lewis Perkins

Co-Director of Graduate Studies

Dr. Chizimuzo Okoli

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to explore the current practices related to nicotine screening in the primary care setting within the Norton Healthcare System. The objectives were to assess: 1) the current compliance rate for nicotine screening and documentation per visit for patients who are seen in a primary care office, and 2) documentation of tobacco cessation counseling and pharmacologic management for patients seen in a primary care office.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the current compliance rate for nicotine screening and documentation per visit for patients who are seen in a primary care office. A random sample of 200 medical records from both male and female patients age 18 and older who were seen from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 were reviewed. Data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS.

Results: The project results showed that the overall rate of nicotine screening was 35%. Only 12.7% of those screened for nicotine use who identified as current nicotine users were offered an intervention such as cessation counseling or pharmacological management. Provider screening rates did not vary based upon demographic data.

Conclusions: This project highlights the disparity between national goals for nicotine screening and current nicotine screening rates within primary care. The research also emphasizes possible barriers to provider screening. This project demonstrates a need for not only better nicotine screening practices, but better provider documentation compliance within primary care. Patients should be screened for nicotine use at every patient encounter despite previous nicotine screening status in order to optimize healthcare outcomes and practices.

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