Smoking Cessation Interventions and Strategies

Abstract

This Best Practice Information Sheet has been derived from a commissioned review undertaken by The Joanna Briggs Institute. This review sought to identify existing systematic reviews on smoking cessation interventions and strategies. Fifteen systematic reviews were identified that met the inclusion criteria and were assessed as being of sufficient methodological quality. Reviews specific to paediatric and obstetric patients were not included in this review. Assisting patients to quit smoking is complex and requires a systematic and multifaceted approach. The benefits of promoting smoking cessation particularly amongst hospital inpatients are well recognised not only for the individual concerned but the whole community. There are a range of interventions and strategy alternatives that are supported by quality research based evidence. Although they may be effective in isolation, a program of multiple interventions including appropriate pharmacotherapy with advice and support tailored to the individual, are more likely to achieve success. These interventions can only be effectively applied if there are systems in place to screen, assess and follow up patients who wish to quit smoking. Keywords: smoking cessation, intervention, strategies, background, screening, advice to quit, treatment formats, follow-up, assessment, procedures, recommendations. Content available only in Romanian.