Abstract
Background: Smoking cessation is a NHS (UK) priority and all health care professionals are encouraged to refer smokers to a “stop smoking” service. Many UK public health campaigns have targeted smokers. Our busy District General Teaching Hospital introduced a daily “targeted” smoking cessation ward round in 2008. This study evaluates the impact of this, on smoking patterns.
Results: 136 patients were surveyed in 2008 and 187 in 2010. 58% of both groups had a history of smoking, 69% were current smokers in 2010 and 35% in 2008. Of the smokers, 73% in 2008 had tried to quit compared to 68% in 2010. The percentage of smokers offered educational material while in hospital increased from 29% in 2008 to 38% in 2010
The table below summarises reasons for patients deciding to quit smoking:
Conclusions: There has been a marked increase in the number of patients deciding to quit smoking following education and advice from medical professional's. The number of smokers who decide to quit due to personal illness has also increased. A new daily smoking cessation ward round and additional support from healthcare professionals is considered to have significantly increased the uptake of smoking cessation advice in this group of patients.
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