IPCRG Consensus statement: tackling the smoking epidemic - practical guidance for primary care

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Respiratory Medicine
• Primary Care Practice

Background:

• Tobacco use is a leading global cause of premature death and disability.
• Primary care settings present missed opportunities for smoking cessation interventions.
• The International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) addresses this gap.

Framework:

• Presents a new, evidence-based approach for smoking cessation in primary care.
• Highlights effective interventions adaptable to limited time and resources.
• Emphasizes the role of all primary care health professionals.

Implementation:

• Offers information, referral to telephone counselling, and motivational interviewing.
• Recommends pharmacotherapy for nicotine dependence for heavy smokers (≥10 cigarettes/day).
• Advocates for tailoring interventions to individual patient circumstances and attitudes.

Implications:

• Empowers primary care teams to enhance smoking cessation rates.
• Suggests scalable strategies to combat the global tobacco epidemic.
• Aims to reduce premature mortality and disability linked to tobacco use.