Research Brief Series: Translating Research Into Practice

BH WELL’s Research Brief series showcases our teams’ most up-to-date research and evidence-based practice in a concise, digestible format. Each research summary serves to bridge the gap between clinical research and public knowledge by enhancing communication, supporting advocacy efforts, and facilitating translation amongst all mental healthcare workers. Providing key insights from evidence-based research will help inform public understanding of health issues, empower individuals to make informed decisions, and to promote overall healthier behaviors/outcomes.

Volume 1: 2024

Volume 2: 2025

Current Issue

Assessing Tobacco Treatment Engagement in Assertive Community Treatment Programs

Volume 2, Issue 4

April 2025

Closing the Gap: The prevalence of tobacco use among individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) is nearly twice that of the general population. Individuals with SMI die several years earlier, on average, compared to individuals without mental illness, and smoking is a major contributing factor. There is often a lack of tobacco treatment provision and utilization in mental and behavioral health settings. This is particularly evident within Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs that provide services for people living with SMI.

Promoting Positive Patient Outcomes:

ACT providers felt capable of providing treatment and showed strong intentions to deliver tobacco treatment. However, providers felt a lack of social or professional support for providing treatment. The ACT consumers report positive attitudes and intentions towards engaging in tobacco treatment but are not necessarily planning to do so. Consumers were infrequently advised to stop tobacco use. Additionally, consumers are exposed to hazardous levels of secondhand smoke.

Optimizing Resources:

Promoting tobacco-free policies and tobacco treatment within ACT programs increases the likelihood of patients stopping tobacco use. This decreases financial burden and increases health outcomes for patients.