Behavioral Healthcare Staff Attitudes and Practices Regarding Consumer Tobacco Cessation Services.

Given the high prevalence of tobacco use among persons with behavioral health disorders, there has been much discussion about if and when tobacco cessation services should be provided to consumers. Approximately 1700 staff (who served adults and youth) from 38 public behavioral healthcare agencies in Virginia completed a survey on their attitudes and practices regarding tobacco cessation services for consumers. Results showed that most staff (88%) think tobacco cessation services should be offered and do not interfere with treatment. Most staff (57%) always/usually screened consumers for tobacco use, but few (14%) always/usually provided tobacco cessation counseling. Reported barriers included consumers not wanting to quit and a lack of staff training. Most staff reported that their organizations do not have policies regarding tobacco cessation services. Use of tobacco cessation practices was related to staff confidence using the practices, preparedness, and years of experience. Steps to improving the use of tobacco cessation practices in this setting are discussed.