Prevention: Smoking cessation

2. Prevention of disease progression and exacerbation

2.1. Smoking cessation

Primary healthcare professionals have a unique position in helping smokers to quit. A clear, personalised, motivational, non-judgemental style during consultations is more likely to engage patients.

This video 30 seconds. A short film about saving a life outlines Very Brief Advice (VBA) on smoking.

Every primary healthcare professional has a role in prompting a quit attempt by delivering VBA on smoking. Approximately 40% of smokers make some attempt to quit after such advice.

VBA involves three As:

1. Ask during a consultation about another health matter
2. Advise about effective ways to quit (and, if necessary, about the harmful effects of tobacco)
3. Act according to the patient’s response, available behavioural support, and first line quit tobacco medication