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All health professionals have a key role to play in reducing the number of people who smoke. Research has shown that minimal contact intervention with someone who smokes (often referred to as a brief cessation intervention) that lasts between 1-3 minutes in duration can have a profound effect. In fact, brief advice from a health professional decreases the proportion of people smoking by about 2% per year provided that these messages are offered to all smokers at every opportunity they have to interact with a health professional. |
The literature suggests that minimal contact intervention may encourage a committed smoker to think about their smoking and to start to look at the disadvantages as well as the benefits. It has also been stated that for clients not ready to quit at this time, providing self-help material will increase their awareness and motivation to quit.
You are on the front lines of the fight against the leading preventable cause of premature death, disease, and disability. We hope you find the information in the following sections helpful. The Question & Answer Forum is our way of sharing more specific or detailed information with you so don’t be shy… ask away!
Understanding Tobacco Addiction
The Benefits of Quitting Smoking
The Ask, Advise, Assist, Arrange (4As) Protocol
Applying the Stages of Change Theory
Pharmacotherapy Options
But I Smoke…
I’ve Never Smoked…
The Pregnant Patient
Where Can I Learn More?
Question & Answer Forum
Last Revised/Reviewed
Thursday, 2008-04-10 11:52 AM