Treating tobacco dependence: Guidance for primary care on life-saving interventions. Position statement of the IPCRG

The International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) is a global network of primary care organisations representing primary care clinicians with a special interest in chronic respiratory disease. Tobacco dependence/smoking is a major factor in chronic respiratory disease and primary care is often the frontline of treatment to stop smoking.

This position paper, written by primary care clinicians for primary care clinicians, offers a position statement based on recent evidence concerning treatment for tobacco dependence. It offers a hierarchy of interventions based on the resources and expertise available in a range of primary care settings and health systems.

Treating tobacco dependence: guidance for primary care on life-saving interventions. Position statement of the IPCRG. Van Schayck, O.C.P., Williams, S., Barchilon, V. et al. npj Prim Care Resp Med 27, 38 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41533-017-0039-5

A result of reading this paper you will:

• Understand the tobacco epidemic

• Explore the differences between treatment and prevention

• Understand the primary care context as the ideal location to treat tobacco dependence

• Explore a range of behavioural (Very Brief Advice – VBA) and pharmacological interventions to treat tobacco dependence

• Understand the patient groups most likely to be affected