The Development of a Potent Anti-Smoking Education Tool

Background: The negative effects of smoking for all individuals is well researched, well documented, and well respected, but many individuals continue to risk the long term effects due to its addictive nature. Patients with acute and chronic wounds who smoke are further jeopardized with comorbidities, poor nutrition, and other profound psychological and physical barriers to positive outcomes. There is a multitude of tools for use with anti-smoking campaigns encompassing individual to entire population education. While these tools are readily available, actively used, and frequently repeated, tobacco use remains a significant barrier to good wound care options.

Methods: Utilization of fluorescence angiography in Banner University Medical Center Phoenix Wound and Reconstruction Institute has provided us with the opportunity to implement an extremely effective tool to aid patients who are struggling to stop smoking.

Results: The real time visual effect of blood flow to an affected area, and the reinforcement of the changes in blood flow to the area after quitting, strongly motivates patients to succeed.

Conclusion: Development of posters with real time images spark animated discussions and buy-in among patients, families, staff, and others.