Pulmonary disease and smoking: a case for health promotion

Emphasis on smoking cessation for patients with chest diseases, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is not new, but the latest guidelines from the British Thoracic Society highlight the necessity of helping patients to stop smoking. Health professionals do not seem ready to take on this role. Smoking cessation needs to become a priority of health promotion for all patients with COPD. A recent training needs assessment underlined the fact that training and support for those undertaking this role require urgent attention.