Evaluating the Effectiveness of Brief Interventions for Smoking Cessation Performed by Family Doctors

Background/Objectives: Tobacco smoking is the most important cause of chronic diseases and premature death worldwide. Very brief advice (VBA) and brief advice (BA) represent evidence-based interventions designed to increase quit attempts. These are appropriate for all smokers, regardless of their motivation to quit, and involve several steps regarding the assessment, advice, and action. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these brief interventions offered by general practitioners (GPs) in smoking cessation. Methods: A systematic search for articles that presented these interventions as an aid to support smoking cessation was conducted. The rate of successful smoking cessation was evaluated following interventions offered by general practitioners, regardless of the patients' present motivation to quit. Results: We have checked if these interventions can be used as an innovative method to help active smokers make an informed decision regarding their behaviour. Assisted/supported/guided by a general practitioner, current cigarette smokers can decide to quit smoking and identify the best way of cessation. We processed relevant data where brief interventions were used as the main counselling method to aid smoking cessation, regardless of using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), heated tobacco products (HTPs), or vaping.