c) What can people in primary care do?

d) Are there any pharmacological interventions?

Objectives – To describe and explore the different approaches to smoking cessation in Primary care. Based on research and policies we look at some of the most effective ways available to the primary care team to deal with the issue.

Design – Analyzing cessation methods available using research from sources including articles, policies, books and the Internet including Medline.

Results – Various methods are available to aid smoking cessation. Motivation of the patient seems to be the most important factor, although this is difficult to measure. There are also pharmacological interventions available, which have been proven to increase cessation rates.

Conclusion – It is important that there is a structured programme in place with continued support and encouragement. The most successful programmes come when different intervention methods are used in conjunction and not in isolation.

Tobacco smoking causes about 13,000 deaths in Scotland each year, making smoking t

In Scotland about 34% of the population smoke and of these half will die premature of a smoking related disease. Smoking is a major aetiological factor for lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease, as well as causing many other diseases.

Healthcare professionals should identify smokers, encourage and support them to stop, and provide follow up. The use of NRT or Bupropion is a fundamental part of a smoking cessation programme and recommended in those who are motivated to quit.

The average smoker will take 3-4 attempts to quit smoking4 causing them to re-enter the cycle at an earlier stage and working their way through again. It is important to asses the level of motivation because even precomtemplators can be given information from the media or in the form of leaflets on the effects of tobacco (examples included at the end of the report) and the financial advantage of cessation. This may help push them into the contemplation phase. Whilst in this phase they can be provided with information designed to tip their decision in favour of quitting, along with material on how to stop. Those in the action phase can be given information on relapse prevention and may join specialist clinics or groups9. Therefore the initial step in smoking cessation is to establish and encourage motivation to quit, and then from this treatment and support can follow. However it is important that this is not rushed through or mentioned briefly, evidence has shown that the longer the consultation the higher the success rate. Leaflets are not a substitute for the consultation.

Some topics in this essay:
Practitioners GP’s, Despite GP’s, According Statistics, Therapy NRT, Nicotine Replacement, Abstract Objectives, Medline Results, Care UK, White Paper, Education Scotland, smoking cessation, primary care, smoking status, motivation patient, pharmacological interventions, approaches smoking cessation, currently smoking, evidence effectiveness, smokers aged, considering quitting six, quitting six, doubt motivation patient, methods available, nicotine replacement therapy, factor determining success,