The 5 A's: Steps to Tobacco 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.
Remember to:
1. Ask. Identify tobacco users at every visit.
2. Advise. Talk with patients about tobacco use and urge them to quit.
3. Assess. Determine if the patient is willing to make a quit attempt at this time.
4. Assist. Prescribe a medication unless contraindications exist.
5. Arrange. Arrange follow-up, including Fax-To-Quit Louisiana.