Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

One-fifth of smokers show accelerated decline in lung function. These are the patients that go on to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an illness characterized by cough, production of sputum, shortness of breath and premature death (Sethi and Rochester, 2000). If this group of smokers stopped smoking, their decline would slow and they might avoid developing COPD. This pilot study aimed to discover whether those with accelerated decline in lung function would quit if presented with the facts about their situation. Known smokers in their 50s were screened for signs of accelerated respiratory decline. Those with an accelerated decline in lung function were identified and given tailored smoking cessation advice. Of 141 eligible patients, 22 responded and six gave up smoking and remained non-smokers 1 year later. The results of this pilot suggest that screening smokers for accelerated respiratory decline by practice nurses is feasible and acceptable to those patients that respond. Further research is needed to discover whether such an intervention would be cost-effective.

Original publication

DOI

10.12968/bjon.2003.12.12.11337

Type

Journal article

Journal

British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)

Publication Date

01/01/2003

Volume

12

Pages

744 - 750