8 prom Alan: support the argument
One of the most undesirable maladaptive health behaviors that has been a major challenge in behavior modification of my patient population (oncology) is that of tobacco consumption cessation. Tobacco consumption is a major risk behavior with severe consequences. “The World Health Organization defines risk behaviors as specific forms of behavior which are proven to be associated with increased susceptibility to a specific disease or ill health.” (Sharma & Romas, 2012) Data has proven that the consumption of tobacco products has had a direct effect on multiple patient outcomes (COPD, Cancer, Cardiac diseases). “It is well established that tobacco smoking is causally related to a number of squamous cell cancer subtypes in several internal organs including those of the oral cavity, esophagus, lung, bladder and cervix.” (Blizzard, O’Connell, Otahal, Sitas & Yu, 2011). The maladaptive practice of tobacco consumption (smoking, dipping, e-cigarette / vaping usage) has unfortunately become an integral practice of many cultures of America. Many of our patient population began using tobacco products at very young ages, as early as their teenage years. Therefore, this is a learned maladaptive behavior that has been chronically practiced on a daily basis for years and / or decades. With the aforementioned being said, within the federal government Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, I would solicit assistance from the Office on Smoking and Health.
How can I as a nurse effect policy changes to improve health care for all citizens? In collaboration with the Office on Smoking and Health we could modify policy, edit and change it to better accommodate our patient populations through smoking cessation programs. What are some economic incentives for disease prevention and health promotion? Currently, many practicing oncologists will offer the best chemotherapy options for patients who pass tobacco saliva screenings. Also, insurance companies are more reluctant to pay a portion of these chemotherapies if the patient is failing their smoking cessation program and continuing to consume tobacco products. Therefore, incentives for these patients with be swifter insurance company authorizations of multiple / myriad chemotherapy options. Insurance premiums also decrease whilst these patients are successful in passing their smoking cessation programs helping to lower their costs of health care. What are your thoughts on the issue as this is a systemic problem within our healthcare industry effecting all patient populations?
Blizzard, Leigh., O’Connell, Dianne., Otahal, Petr., Sitas, Freddy. & Yu, Xue Qin. (2011)
The relationship between basal and squamous cell skin cancer and smoking related cancers.
Sharma, Manoj & Romas, John A. (2012) Theoretical Foundations of Health Education and Health Promotion. Second edition.
