Introducing the CIF and Answering Client Questions
 
Before beginning cessation classes or other services, the facilitator must read the Client Intake Form Instruction Set.
 
The facilitator will read a one-page "Client Introduction" to all participants. Then participants complete the CIF with assistance from the facilitator, as needed. 
 
After reading the client introduction, some clients may still have questions about completing the CIF. Some clients refuse to answer questions because they are too personal or viewed as insignificant. Still other clients want to know if the information really is kept confidential. Some clients may have trouble reading or understanding the questions.

"I Don't Know or I Don't Want You to Know"

This tells the data entry person that the information is not available. If the client forgot a series of questions, or a page of questions, the provider should contact the client and ask for the necessary information. If at this point the client refuses to answer the question, or doesn't know, an "X" should be marked through the question.
 
When a client feels uncomfortable about answering a question, it is permissible to skip the question; however, it is important to communicate the following to the client:

1. These questions are asked in order to gain a better understanding of what works in helping people quit tobacco. 
    
2. The answers are completely confidential. 
    
3. Complete responses help other people quit tobacco. 
    
4. Everyone who enters a cessation program in Arizona fills out the same form.
    
5. There is a minimal amount of information required in order to receive services including the client's signature agreeing to 1-year follow-up.
    
6. Answering these questions helps your facilitator or counselor assess your readiness to quit, therefore making it possible to give you personalized service.

Facilitators who work extensively with clients have numerous responses to those refusing to complete the CIF. The provider’s personal style influences how he/she interacts with these clients. It is important to engage the client in the cessation process even if he/she may be reluctant to complete the CIF. Facilitators who maintain positive working relationships with clients when filling out paperwork strengthen their facilitator-client relationship. 
 
It is helpful for a facilitator to have another person who can review the CIF paperwork for accuracy. He/she may see errors more clearly from an outside perspective. His/her help may keep CIFs from being returned to the facilitator for insufficient data.