Cessation has been incorporated into the QI process, and the August '99 dental record review and June '99 member satisfaction survey results will be used to develop the initial baseline measurements. Dr. Allen became the co-chair for the tobacco cessation project which was initiated in April '99. The tobacco cessation protocol was developed and presented to the Portland-area hygienists and managing dentists during their biannual meeting in April. Additionally, the Quality Improvement dentist did a presentation of this same information for the southern Oregon region clinic. One additional clinic will be trained in the near future.
Additional trainings are available to all the clinics.
Packets of cessation materials and information have been sent to each clinic office. Dental records have been changed to incorporate tobacco cessation information. Although the clinics had always asked about tobacco use on the annual evaluation form, other questions were added and a more detailed initial history form was updated. A tobacco counseling code is in the system. Although specific feedback mechanisms have not been put into place, data can be extrapolated as to how often the tobacco counseling code is being used.