Supportive Counseling
Encourage the patient in the quit attempt.
- Communicate belief in the patient's ability to quit.
- Note that effective tobacco dependence treatments are now available.
- Note that half of all people who have ever smoked have now quit.
Communicate caring and concern.
- Ask how the patient feels about quitting.
- Directly express concern and willingness to help.
- Be open to the patient's expression of fears of quitting, difficulties experienced, and ambivalent feelings.
Encourage the patient to talk about the quitting process.
Ask about:
- Reasons the patient wants to quit.
- Concerns or worries about quitting.
- Success the patient has achieved.
- Difficulties encountered while quitting.
Source:
New York State Medicaid Update. The Official Newsletter of the New York Medicaid Program. (April 2011). Volume 27: Number 5. www.health.ny.gov
