Urologists’ perceptions and practices related to patient smoking and cessation: A national assessment from the 2021 American Urological Association census Journal Article


Authors: Matulewicz, R. S.; Meeks, W.; Mbassa, R.; Fang, R.; Pittman, A.; Mossanen, M.; Furberg, H.; Chichester, L. A.; Lui, M.; Sherman, S. E.; Makarov, D. V.; Bjurlin, M. A.; Ostroff, J. S.
Article Title: Urologists’ perceptions and practices related to patient smoking and cessation: A national assessment from the 2021 American Urological Association census
Abstract: Objective: To assess urologists’ perceptions and practices related to smoking and smoking cessation. Materials and Methods: Six survey questions were designed to assess beliefs, practices, and determinants related to tobacco use assessment and treatment (TUAT) in outpatient urology clinics. These questions were included in an annual census survey (2021) offered to all practicing urologists. Responses were weighted to represent the practicing US population of nonpediatric urologists (N = 12,852). The primary outcome was affirmative responses to the question, “Do you agree it is important for urologists to screen for and provide smoking cessation treatment to patients in the outpatient clinic?” Practice patterns, perceptions, and opinions of optimal care delivery were assessed. Results: In total, 98% of urologists agreed (27%) or strongly agreed (71%) that cigarette smoking is a significant contributor to urologic disease. However, only 58% agreed that TUAT is important in urology clinics. Most urologists (61%) advise patients who smoke to quit but do not provide additional cessation counseling or medications or arrange follow-up. The most frequently identified barriers to TUAT were lack of time (70%), perceptions that patients are unwilling to quit (44%), and lack of comfort prescribing cessation medications (42%). Additionally, 72% of respondents stated that urologists should provide a recommendation to quit and refer patients for cessation support. Conclusion: TUAT does not routinely occur in an evidence-based fashion in outpatient urology clinics. Addressing established barriers and facilitating these practices with multilevel implementation strategies can promote tobacco treatment and improve outcomes for patients with urologic disease. © 2023 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords: adult; aged; middle aged; cigarette smoking; united states; smoking cessation; physician attitude; patient counseling; patient referral; urologist; urinary tract disease; human; male; female; article; prescribing practice
Journal Title: Urology
Volume: 180
ISSN: 0090-4295
Publisher: Elsevier Science, Inc.  
Date Published: 2023-10-01
Start Page: 14
End Page: 20
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.06.022
PUBMED: 37422137
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC10592412
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledged in the PubMed record and PDF. Corresponding MSK author is Richard S. Matulewicz -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Jamie S Ostroff
    344 Ostroff
  2. Michelle Lui
    7 Lui