Clinical practice guidelines emphasize that healthcare providers should consistently identify and treat all tobacco users using available medication and support. But, evidence alone is not enough to change routine care. There is a need to change healthcare practices so that smoking cessation treatment is provided as part of routine care to all patients who are tobacco users. 

The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC) was created to address this need.

• Is adaptable to any healthcare setting and has been implemented in over 500 sites across Canada. 

• It has been shown to increase how often healthcare providers advise and assist smokers trying to reduce or stop smoking, which leads to: increased long-term smoking abstinence rates; reduced downstream healthcare use; and reduced premature risk of death. 

• Results in the identification, treatment, and follow-up of smokers as part of routine care.

• Is cost-effective, from the hospital payer perspective, and results in fewer healthcare costs of patients who receive the program.