Smoking cessation

Question 1

4 things to ask about smoking?

Answer 1

• What do you smoke?
• How many cigarettes a day?
• For how long have you been smoking?
• Are you thinking of quitting and would you like any help?

Question 2

What are some things to tell patient if they use e-cigs or ask if they are better than smoking?

Answer 2

• It is still harmful but safer than conventional cigs
• Some evidence to suggest they are helpful in quitting smoking but more research is still required
• Don’t use in public spaces esp in front of younger people
• Suggest using a research backed product like patches and support like community stop smoking services
• Can still have effects on oral health like dry mouth, soft tissue damage due to battery overheating

Question 3

What is the methodology for smoking cessation?

Answer 3

• 5A’s
• Ask
• Advice
• Assess
• Assist
• Arrange a referral

Question 4

What are some services to refer a smoking pt to if they want to quit?

Answer 4

• Community clinics
• Hospital advisor
• Mental health in-patient service
• Specialist pregnancy service
• Prison service
• Community pharmacy setting

Question 5

What can you do if pt doesn’t want to quit now?

Answer 5

• Provide leaflet and emphasise when they do want to stop support is available
• Record advice given in notes

Question 6

Give a definition of dependence?

Answer 6

• Compulsive craving to use drug despite harmful consequences

Question 7

Give examples of evidence based treatments that can be used to help support pt who want to quit smoking?

Answer 7

• E-cigs
• Nicotine replacement therapy