Addressing the hidden strain on workforce health and productivity 

Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer and a compounding factor in conditions ranging from heart disease and stroke to diabetes and emphysema. It also takes an economic toll on employers.  

A study published in Science Daily suggests that low productivity attributed to more absenteeism, presenteeism and smoke breaks, combined with excess healthcare expenses and annual pension, cost employers almost $6,000 more per smoker per year than nonsmoking employees. 

Personalized health coaching through employee wellness program

Quantum Health’s certified tobacco treatment specialists use evidence-based intervention and a whole-person approach to help members reduce or quit tobacco through sustainable behavioral change.  

With a 53% quit rate (compared with only 25% who quit on their own), Tobacco Cessation coaching is proven to provide employees the support they need to gain freedom from the habit’s high cost on health, finances and productivity. 

Key components of the solution include: 

• ASSESSING AND COACHING: Assessments help uncover habitual behaviors, while coaching promotes active engagement and accountability.  
• HELP OVERCOMING CRAVINGS: Quantum Health Tobacco Cessation members can learn about and gain no-cost access to over-the-counter Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products to use in their quit attempt — if medically appropriate — to combat cravings and withdrawal.  
• PERSONALIZED PLANNING: Through open dialogue, our certified tobacco cessation coaches work with members to customize a plan that meets their goals. 
• INCREASING SELF-EFFICACY: Creating a supportive, member-focused environment that celebrates successes strengthens the member’s confidence to continue.  

Guiding Maria toward a healthier future

Maria has been smoking since age 14 and has tried to quit dozens of times.  

On her own, she’s tried everything from vaping and medications to nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) — unsuccessfully. But a recent turn of events would change everything.  

• Maria went to ER, with heart attack symptoms 
• Admitted to hospital  
• Husband called Quantum Health with coverage questions  
• Personal Care Guide, Gina, referred her case to Devon, a Patient service representative nurse  
• Devon followed up with Maria’s provider 
• Devon followed up with Maria during a post-discharge call and learned she was a longtime smoker  

Personalized healthcare leads to sustainable change

• NRT helped curtail Maria’s cravings, slowly decreasing the number of cigarettes she was smoking each day  
• Within one month she went from seven cigarettes per day to fewer than three  
• She found that talking to the coach about ways to address her triggers was very helpful  
• Personalized coaching was beneficial for Maria that she began another quit attempt as she continued her progress toward cessation