EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine

Introduction: Smoking is a major public health problem. Its management requires the involvement of all staff in a respiratory health department. Our study aims to demonstrate the impact of a single intervention by a tobacco specialist on staff in the pulmonology department of the Bourg-en-Bresse Hospital Center in east-central France.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in two phases: from April 25 to May 30 and from June 1 to July 6, 2022. The tobacco specialist's intervention took place on May 31, 2022, preceded by a spontaneous assessment using a questionnaire sent to staff.

Results: A total of 25 out of 28 caregivers responded to the questionnaire. The average age was 38.68 years +/- 10.71. The frequency of smoking screening during hospitalization was performed frequently in 40% of cases and always in 20%. The frequency of prescription of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was 72%, never; and often in 16% of cases.

Regarding patients (119), the prevalence of active smoking during hospitalization was 18.49%. The average age was 61.09 +/- 14.54 years. Male gender represented 72.73%. Previous history of COPD, PBC, and anxiety/depression were noted in 31.82%, 27.27%, and 31.82% of cases, respectively. Smoking status was reported in 46.22% of cases; i.e. 54.84% after the intervention of the tobacco specialist and 36.84% before. The minimal advice was carried out in 33.33% of cases before the intervention of the tobacco specialist against 93.75% after. Tobacco use in our study was 29.77 PA +/- 21.99. Alcohol was the psychoactive substance most associated with smoking (68.18%). Before the tobacco specialist's intervention, only 50% of active smoking patients had received nicotine replacement therapy. After the intervention, nicotine replacement therapy was offered to all patients, but 37.50% refused and 62.50% accepted. Treatment by a tobacco specialist was offered to all patients after the intervention, compared to 16.67% before.

Conclusion: The effect of the tobacco specialist's intervention on staff revealed room for improvement in the management of active smoking in hospitalization. This could contribute to the establishment of a smoke-free hospital.

 Keywords: Healthcare Professionals; Smoking; Hospitalization

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