5 A'S FOR TOBACCO CESSATION INTERVENTION

Successful intervention begins with identifying users and appropriate interventions based upon the patient's willingness to quit. The five major steps to intervention are the "5 A's": Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange.

Download WellSpan Health's "5 A Reference Guide"

5 A's for Tobacco Cessation Intervention: About

1. Ask

Ask about their current and past tobacco use patterns every time.

2. Advise

Strongly urge all tobacco users to quit. Use language that is clear, strong and personalized. Use positive language and concentrate on the positive benefits of quitting smoking instead of focusing on bad outcomes if they continue to smoke.

3. Assess

Determine willingness to quit. Ask the patient if they are willing to make a quit attempt within the next 30 days.

4. Assist

Connect the individual with necessary resources. Help the patient set a quit date, provide self-help materials, counsel about successful cessation techniques and problem-solving strategies. Refer them to a local tobacco cessation service.

5. Arrange

Provide follow-up support. Make plans to monitor smoking status and provide support during follow-up visits.

5 A's for Tobacco Cessation Intervention: Training