A smoking cessation clinic with a 57% success rate: what makes it work?

Objective: To describe an outpatient smoking cessation clinic, and what predicts participant success.

Methods: In 1999, a 12-week smoking cessation clinic was begun. In 2000, the duration was expanded to include an additional 12 weeks of relapse prevention. Participants completed surveys at the beginning and end of their clinic. All participants, even those who dropped out, were surveyed to determine current status. If they were not reached, they were assumed to be smoking.

Results: Eleven clinics have been completed thus far, with 117 people enrolling. Of all participants, 57% were not smoking at their last contact (average length of follow-up was 14 months). Age, baseline smoking rate, and presence of a non-smoking support person were the best predictors of abstinence.

Conclusions: A 57% abstinence rate was achieved in this outpatient clinic, serving a mix of rural and non-rural patients.