Collaborative Efforts in Smoking Cessation Clinics: An Evaluation of Healthcare Professionals' Contributions in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Thailand implemented the FAH-SAI Clinic smoking cessation service program in 2010, which provides services through a multidisciplinary team. However, the contribution of each healthcare professional in terms of activity frequency and time spent has not been formally assessed, and the appropriate incentive compensation needs to be evaluated. Method: We performed a prospective observational study, focusing on individuals aged 13 and above who were in the action stage. We utilized an activities-based approach and work points system to measure time contribution and calculate incentive compensation. Data were collected through a paper/electronic case record form and questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to report the outcomes. Results: Our study analyzed 2041 participants and 4098 visits, which reported 37,356 frequencies across 10 activities provided by healthcare professionals in smoking cessation clinics following the 5 As model. Nurses had the highest frequency of contributions (N of activity = 23,979; 64.19%). Public health technical officers spent time the most with an average of 27.74 min. The top three professionals receiving incentive compensation per case were public health technical officers at 31.67 Baht, followed by nurses at 28.41 Baht, and physicians at 21.74 Baht. Conclusion: All healthcare professionals play important roles in smoking cessation service program with varying contributions based on time, frequency, and activities involved. To implement these findings, it is important to consider the performance of each setting and involve non-study stakeholders. © 2024 The Authors.