Is Implementation of the 5 A's of Smoking Cessation at Community Mental Health Centers Effective for Reduction of Smoking by Patients with Serious Mental Illness?

We tested whether implementing the "5 A's" ( Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) at six mental health centers reduces smoking among persons with serious mental illness. One hundred and fifty six patients were evaluated just before initiating the 5 A's and after six and 12 months. A delayed control condition evaluated 148 patients six months before 5 A's implementation, just before and then after six months. Six months of the 5 A's produced no effect. Modest cessation and reduction benefits were noted after 12 months. Implementing the 5 A's at community mental health centers may have modest benefit after twelve months. ( Am J Addict 2009; 18: 386-392)