Clinical Reminder Changes to Increase Smoking Cessation Treatment in Outpatient Psychiatry

Clinical Reminder Changes to Increase Smoking Cessation Treatment in Outpatient Psychiatry

This study will use a scientifically robust, mixed-methods, two-arm cluster-randomized study design. Investigators will implement a tobacco use clinical reminder for outpatient psychiatrists practicing at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System (N = 20). Half of the psychiatrists will receive a reminder that encourages the psychiatrist to offer cessation medications and referral to cessation counseling to patients interested in quitting (Opt-In Reminder). The other half will receive a clinical reminder that includes a standing nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) order and a referral to cessation counseling that will automatically generate unless the provider actively opts-out (Opt-Out Reminder). Prior to implementation of the reminders, psychiatrists in both arms will receive a one-hour training on tobacco treatment and individual education outreach to demonstrate the clinical reminder and answer questions (academic detailing).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Psychiatrists
• Works in outpatient psychiatry at Manhattan or Brooklyn VA campus and has no plans to leave in the next 6 months
• Patient Post-Visit Survey Population
• Had a visit with a psychiatrist included in the study Current smoker

Exclusion Criteria:

• Outpatient Psychiatrists:
• None
• Patient Post-Visit Survey Population:
• Non-English speaking