STEP-Z

STEP-Z

 Smoking Cessation in Primary Care for Patients with Cancer – Hospital Collaboration Research
Smoking Cessation in Primary Care for Patients with Cancer – Hospital Collaboration
Our current members
Smoking adversely affects cancer treatment outcomes and prognosis. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of treatment-related complications and improves clinical outcomes, yet smoking cessation support remains insufficiently integrated into routine oncology care. Although smoking is often discussed during hospital consultations, structured cessation support is not consistently provided. At the same time, many general practices already offer accessible smoking cessation services, for example as part of chronic disease management programs. Strengthening collaboration between hospitals and general practices may therefore improve access to effective smoking cessation support for patients with cancer.

Through the STEP-Z project, we are developing and evaluating a care pathway that integrates smoking cessation support as a standard component of cancer care. Central to this approach is collaboration between hospitals and general practices. The pathway consists of a three-step strategy in which (1) the medical specialist discusses the importance of smoking cessation, (2) proactively refers the patient to smoking cessation support in primary care, and (3) informs the general practitioner about the referral.

At the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), healthcare professionals from the Departments of Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis, Urology, and Otorhinolaryngology have tested this approach in clinical practice. We investigated the feasibility and applicability of the pathway, the barriers experienced by healthcare professionals in both primary and secondary care, and the factors that facilitate successful implementation. The knowledge gained from this project will support the organization and sustainable integration of smoking cessation care within oncology services.
Relevance

Societal relevance

The ultimate goal is to ensure that every patient with cancer who smokes receives timely and appropriate support to quit smoking. By embedding smoking cessation support within routine care and strengthening collaboration between hospitals and general practices, patients can access evidence-based support close to home, improving both treatment outcomes and long-term health.

Timeline

  1. Brochure

    Posted

    The main findings of the study have been summarized in a brochure (in Dutch), which can be accessed via the button below.

    Brochure

Part of

Contact

University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Department of Primary and Long-term Care
Internal postcode FA21
P.O. Box 196
9700 AD Groningen

Visiting address

UMCG
Department of Primary and Long-term Care
Oostersingel | entrance 47 | building 50 | 2nd floor
Groningen
The Netherlands