Heart Attack Patient Smoking Cessation Information and Counseling Offered at HealthOne Hospitals in Denver, Colorado

Timeframe: January 2011 through March 2011
(Most Recent Data Available)

Timeframe: October 2009 through September 2010
(Yearly National and State Comparisons)

What Does This Measure?
The percentage of adult patients with a history of smoking cigarettes who were given information or counseling to help them quit smoking.

Why Is This Important?
Studies have shown that smoking increases the risk for a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Patients who receive advice or counseling on how to quit smoking are more likely to stop than those who do not.

What Are We Doing to Improve Our Performance?
HealthONE hospitals have implemented several initiatives to improve our performance on this measure. These include:
    •    Electronic medication records
    •    Evidence-based medicine
    •    Nurse and physician training
    •    Patient safety and quality committee