The Tobacco Dependence Treatment Program (TDTP) within the OTRC began in January 2011 and is currently staffed by two trained Tobacco Treatment Specialists. Leslie Chandler, RN, MS, CTTS received her tobacco cessation training from the Mayo Clinic in February 2010 And Tanya Kay, MPH, joined the TDTP team in March of 2012. She received her tobacco cessation training from Mayo Clinic the same month.
The three main goals of the Tobacco Dependence and Tobacco Treatment program are facilitation of research that impacts tobacco cessation for the reduction of cancer prevalence, dissemination of tobacco cessation education to the community, and provision of cessation services campus-wide for the OU Health Sciences Center, and the community-at-large. These goals are achieved by engaging local, state, tribal and national partners.
The TDTP worked to standardize screening methods for identification of tobacco users within the campus wide electronic medical record system in order to conduct more efficient research in the future, and better identify at risk patients for treatment and prevention. The program developed a template within the Stephenson Cancer Center research database where all TDTP participants are registered for future tobacco research. A mentoring network has been established for students and early career scientists to support cessation research and training. Support of continuing cessation education was achieved by the development of an E-module for physicians to better understand the implemented electronic template for identification of tobacco users and provision of the evidence-based cessation approach. The TDTP staff has developed educational material for the College of Medicine with three instructive videos that were filmed depicting scenarios where tobacco cessation education is provided to patients. The staff also routinely participates in educational seminars for physicians focusing on tobacco dependence, treatment and community resources. Monthly meetings are ongoing between OUHSC campus community and TDTP staff in order to develop and execute an integrated approach to tobacco cessation.
The TDTP program has become an integral component of the Stephenson Cancer Center’s mission to provide patients with comprehensive care, as well as support the OUHSC campus in its objective to maintain a tobacco free campus. The TDTP staff has fluid communication with health care providers for efficient referral of patients in need of cessation services. From January 2011 to June 30, 2012, 333 patients were referred to the TDTP. Collaboration is now established between the TDTP program and the Stephenson Cancer Center pharmacy for storage of NRT to provide high risk patients with immediate treatment for cessation.
Our program places the Stephenson Cancer Center in the forefront of NC I cancer centers developing core services in treating tobacco dependence, educating providers, patients andthe public in tobacco dependence issues and excelling in tobacco related research.
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