Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients

Introducing a new stop smoking service in an acute UK hospital: A qualitative study to evaluate service user experience

“…While acknowledging that for some smokers it would not be the right time to quit, for many patients, they saw it as a good opportunity as they were in a supportive environment with free time, less distraction and a convenient service. These findings supported the concept of the teachable moment which suggests that people, especially those suffering from tobacco-related illnesses, are more receptive to stop smoking messages during hospitalisation as it increases their perception of their own vulnerability (Rigotti et al, 2009). Furthermore, our findings concurred with those of Thomsen et al (2009) who found that the driving force to change was strengthened for participants by their hospital experience, while some of the restraining forces to continue smoking were reduced.…”

“…Although the quit attempt can be started in hospital, appropriate community support needs to be available after discharge home to reduce the likelihood of patients returning to smoking (NICE, 2007(NICE, , 2008. This is supported by evidence from a Cochrane review which showed that smoking cessation counselling delivered in acute hospital settings, combined with follow-up support that lasts at least one month post discharge, increases smoking cessation rates (Rigotti et al, 2009). …”

“…Hospital-based services would seem particularly appropriate because many smokers do not become motivated to take action until they are admitted to hospital with a smoking-related illness, such as cancer (Twardella et al, 2006;Eadie et al, 2008; Department of Health (DH), 2011). Rigotti et al (2009) refer to this situation, where the patient is more ready than usual to consider a healthrelated behavioural change, as a 'teachable moment'. However, Gritz et al (2005) conclude from their systematic review that diagnosis of cancer remains an underused opportunity.…”

“…There is however some evidence to show that there is reluctance on the part of nurses to introduce the subject of smoking cessation to patients who smoke (Lally et al, 2008). Another Cochrane review, Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients (Rigotti et al, 2009), concluded that there was insufficient evidence to recommend any one particular hospital-initiated intervention.…”

Smoking cessation interventions in the pre-admission clinic: assessing two approaches

“…4,5 Hospital-based smoking cessation interventions are effective, and even brief advice delivered by a health professional can enhance quit rates. 6 Clinical practice guidelines recommend that all patients who smoke should be offered brief cessation advice during each clinical encounter. 7 Despite these recommendations and existing evidence, delivery of smoking cessation interventions during routine medical care continues to be woefully inadequate.…”