Abstract
Introduction: Physical therapists are in a position to provide tobacco cessation counseling to their patients as being promotors of health and wellness. However, physical therapists have low rates of tobacco cessation counseling due to role awareness, diffusion of responsibility, and time constraints. Motivational interviewing is a component of tobacco cessation counseling which provides a patient-centered approach to problem solving throughout the patient’s quit attempt. Methods: One patient was provided tobacco cessation counseling by a physical therapy student over the course of five sessions, which included motivational interviewing. Results: The patient gradually decreased his tobacco usage throughout the course of treatment, but discontinued counseling following the fifth session. The patient’s Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence score initially was 7 and decreased to 4. Discussion: It is unclear as to why the patient discontinued counseling or their overall success rate. The patient’s decrease in tobacco use could also be attributed to several factors. Intensive counseling as outlined in this case report may not be feasible in a normal physical therapy session. Conclusion: In this case report the patient decreased tobacco use and demonstrated the feasibility of physical therapy led tobacco cessation counseling. Future studies should serve to investigate the efficacy of tobacco cessation counseling as compared to other variables, seek to find a way to efficiently deliver tobacco cessation counseling, or investigate patient perceptions of tobacco cessation counseling.