The primary analytic technique used was meta-analysis. The strength of evidence that served as the basis for each recommendation is clearly indicated in the guideline. Public testimony an a peer review were also part of the guideline's development process, as well as a notice in the Federal Register inviting review. Clinicians should ask and record the tobacco-use status of every patient. Cessation treatments event as brief as 3 minutes a visit are effective.
More intense treatment is more effective in producing long-term abstinence from tobacco.
Health care systems should make institutional changes that result in the systematic identification of, and intervention with, all tobacco users at every visit. The guideline proposes strategies for carrying out each of its specific recommendations.