Do targeted smoking cessation ward rounds increase referrals to smoking cessation services? A survey in a UK district general hospital

Background: NICE (UK) recommends that all smokers should be advised to quit and that individuals who want to stop smoking should be referred to an intensive smoking cessation service (SCS). In a previous study at our institution, 74% of patients had a missed opportunity for referral to the SCS during a hospital admission. A major factor was the lack of knowledge about the service by health care professionals and patients. Subsequently, a “targeted smoking cessation ward round” was introduced at the hospital. This study compares the current utilization of the SCS to that in 2008. Method: A voluntary questionnaire surveying the utilization of the SCS was completed by 187 patients (58% smokers past or present of which 69% were current smokers). Results: 38% (23% in 2008) of current smokers indicated that they would like a referral to the service and were subsequently offered related reading material and an appointment. The table below summarises the results. Conclusions: Referral to SCS has improved significantly between the two surveys. The introduction of daily targeted smoking cessation ward rounds and the promotion of the SCS has resulted in improved uptake of the SCS. However, further education of health care professionals in primary and secondary care is needed with regards to the importance of smoking cessation and the need to refer to a specialist smoking cessation service.