Smoking Cessation

Introduction

Smoking is a major risk factor associated with an increased risk of a variety of cancers, respiratory and cardiovascular disease. It is the single most important cause of preventable ill health and premature mortality. Although the prevalence of smoking is declining within the western world, the diseases associated with it continue to be a major health issue. Consequently, asking patients about their smoking status and offering advice on stopping smoking is a significant component of the Quality and Outcomes Framework in general practice.

Much emphasis is placed upon helping patients to stop smoking and smoking cessation services have been established in community, practice and pharmacy settings. Decades ago individuals who sought help with smoking cessation had to rely on will power alone. However, recent therapeutic developments have equipped healthcare professionals with a range of drug therapies to complement traditional strategies and enable more people to stop smoking.

This resource, composed of 10 assessment questions, is based on typical clinical scenarios that will be familiar to you in your practice. They aim to test your knowledge on the issues around smoking cessation. Successfully complete these questions to obtain your certificate of continuous professional development.

Learning objectives

After completing this module, you will have a greater understanding of:

• Some of the major concerns that women and men have about quitting smoking.
• The approaches to discussing the long-term negative detrimental effects of smoking.
• The approaches to smoking cessation including motivational approaches and therapies.

Reading List

• NICE Guidance - Smoking cessation services in Primary Care
• NICE Guidance - Brief interventions and referral for smoking cessation
• NICE Gudiance - Tobacco - harm-reduction approaches to smoking. Draft guidance
• Smoking Cessation Varenicline - NICE
• ASH Nicotine assisted reduction to stop
• Patient.co.uk Smoking Cessation