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Does screening for loss of lung function help smokers give up?
Sally Wells1, Simon de Lusignan
1Department of Community Health Science, St George's Hospital Medical School, London.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|June 28, 2003
Summary
Identifying smokers with accelerated lung function decline can motivate cessation. This pilot study showed that tailored advice for these individuals led to sustained smoking cessation in some patients, suggesting a feasible intervention for preventing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Public Health
- Smoking Cessation Research
Background:
- Accelerated lung function decline affects one-fifth of smokers, predisposing them to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- COPD is a severe respiratory illness leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Smoking cessation is crucial for mitigating lung function decline and preventing COPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if smokers identified with accelerated respiratory decline would quit smoking when informed of their condition.
- To assess the feasibility and patient acceptability of screening for accelerated lung function decline by practice nurses.
Main Methods:
- Smokers in their 50s were screened for accelerated respiratory decline.
- Individuals identified with accelerated decline received tailored smoking cessation advice.
- Smoking status was monitored 1 year post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Out of 141 eligible smokers, 22 responded to the screening and intervention.
- Six of the responding patients successfully quit smoking and remained non-smokers at the 1-year follow-up.
- Screening by practice nurses was found to be feasible and acceptable to responding patients.
Conclusions:
- Targeted screening for accelerated lung function decline in smokers is a viable approach.
- Personalized smoking cessation advice can be effective for some individuals at high risk of COPD.
- Further research is warranted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this intervention.