Computer-Facilitated 5A’s

Computer-Facilitated 5A’s (CF5A’s) leverages available time in waiting rooms to promote established smoking cessation guidelines using the “Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange” framework via a tablet. The CF5A’s tablet uses a branching logic system that adapts to each patient’s responses. Patients are first asked about their smoking status, advised to quit, and assessed for their readiness to change. Based on this readiness, tailored support is provided using motivational interviewing techniques. Patients who are not yet ready to quit (pre-contemplative or contemplative) are engaged in activities such as the importance ruler and the “5 R’s” (Relevance, Risks, Rewards, Roadblocks, and Repetition), as well as weighing the pros and cons of quitting. Those preparing to quit within a month are guided to evaluate whether they have a concrete plan, identify key plan components, and assess their confidence. If confidence is low, the intervention explores past quit attempts or other successful behavior changes to build self-efficacy. Patients are also encouraged to set a quit date and consider additional resources as appropriate. Tailored printouts are then provided to both the patient and primary care provider ahead of the visit. Patients receive personalized guidance and follow-up instructions, while providers receive clinical summaries with risk information, treatment recommendations, and referral options.

Last Updated: 01/29/2026