The role of physiotherapists in smoking cessation

Nia Luxton*, Julie Redfern

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)
87 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The number of people who smoke tobacco is projected to be over 1.1 billion globally in 2025.1 Smoking cessation advice and support offered by health professionals continues to play an important role in motivating people to quit.2 Clinical smoking cessation guidelines for health professionals have existed since the 1990s and include the widely recommended 5As model: Ask about smoking status, Advise briefly to quit, Assess tobacco dependence and motivation to quit, Assist with support and medication, Arrange follow-up.3, 4, 5, 6 However, health professionals have consistently reported numerous barriers to implementing these guidelines: lack of time and administrative support; lack of knowledge and training; low confidence in personal skills; perception that cessation interventions are ineffective; and belief that cessation will be addressed by another member of the patient’s healthcare team.5,7, 8, 9 Therefore, smoking cessation guidelines have been revised to address these barriers and in response to: a greater understanding of the behavioural, physiological and social determinants of tobacco dependence and nicotine addiction; the advent of e-cigarettes (and heat-not-burn devices); and advances in cessation medications and interventions.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)207-210
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Physiotherapy
Volume66
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2020
Externally publishedYes

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