Performance indicators

Abstract

Having just read Mark Jones’ column in the April edition of Primary Health Care, I feel compelled to point out the new, and key performance indicator, that is almost entirely met by the work of nurses in primary care. I refer to the number of four- week quitters (smoking) that has been added to the very bottom of the list. Just because it is at the bottom does not, however, lessen it's importance. Smoking is the largest public health problem in the UK and primary care nurses are very well placed to influence this issue. In my experience as Co-ordinator for the service in Suffolk it is primary care nurses, particularly practice nurses, who have recognised and embraced this role. They report to me that they find this work enjoyable and rewarding, with those they help feeling grateful that at last someone has recognised that it is not easy being a smoker and that quitting is the hardest but most rewarding thing they will ever do. The recent NICE guidance should be seen as giving full support to this important role that primary care nurses are undertaking despite their ever growing workload.