The British Thoracic Society (BTS) has launched a major new study to probe the level, and effectiveness of, stop smoking services provided in NHS hospitals across UK.
Previous audits have shown that although nearly half (48%) offer some form of stop smoking service there is huge room for improvement:
- Only 25% have a dedicated hospital smoking cessation practitioner.
- Over half (56%) of documented smokers were not asked if they would like to stop smoking.
- Only 23% of patients who were asked if they would like to quit, were actually referred to a hospital-based stop smoking service.
- 75% are currently not completely smoke-free.
Recent data shows that the number of people who smoke in Britain has stalled at 19%. Lung specialists believe it is essential that hospitals play their part in helping reduce levels again by offering comprehensive stop smoking support and treatment for patients on their wards.
The audit will analyse both in-patient notes as well as organisational data on smoking cessation services. It will run from 1 April to 31 May 2016 and full instructions are provided on the BTS Audit Tools website: https://audits.brit-thoracic.org.uk.
The Society is also encouraging more health professionals to become BTS ‘Stop Smoking Champions’ in their hospital. There are over 160 at present and they deliver a range of vital activities to champion stop smoking service provision. For further information, contact: stopsmokingchampions@ brit-thoracic.org.uk or view a video about the initiative at: to www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/ clinical-information/smoking-cessation
Image Credit: nito - Fotolia
