Starting the conversation about tobacco and nicotine cessation can be challenging. The benefit of doing so is priceless, and maybe lifesaving.
The Mercy Care Workforce Development (WFD) Team wants to help. We are producing an elective multi-part training series that walks through the tobacco and nicotine cessation process from start to finish. The first in the series, Tobacco and Nicotine Basics, is a self-paced online module that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The basics of how tobacco impacts the individual user, the addictive quality of nicotine and how to engage someone in a basic conversation about quitting are presented. The intended learning audience for this first module is individuals with little to no clinical background, who are likely to refer to a professional for additional follow-up.
According to a Truth Initiative report dated October 2020, Arizona’s smoking population represents 14% of our total state population. The national average is 16.1%. That means that about 14% of any provider’s practice in Arizona is likely comprised of individuals who smoke. Individuals with chronic conditions, as well as those with a status of serious mental illness (SMI) are particularly at risk of health impact from tobacco and nicotine use.
Please Note: Behavioral Health providers will have access to the course through Relias. Separate messaging will be provided.
Thanks for all you do!
