The right time to quit: patients' experiences of smoking cessation support during COPD hospitalisation

Smoking cessation is a central component of disease management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hospitalisation provides an opportunity to initiate smoking cessation support. The present study aimed to explore how patients with COPD perceived the usefulness of smoking cessation support in the context of hospitalisation.

Patients receiving smoking cessation support during hospitalisation at the Department of Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, Denmark, were invited to semi-structured interviews via telephone one week after discharge. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively using qualitative content analysis.

Eight patients with COPD (mean age 73 years) were interviewed between January and March 2024. Patients described how their acute respiratory symptoms, the smoke-free environment and the easy access to pharmacological smoking cessation treatment during hospitalisation made smoking both impractical and unreasonable. A respectful, non-judgmental approach to smoking cessation support was emphasised as central to its perceived usefulness and acceptance. One week after discharge, seven patients remained abstinent and reported increased confidence in managing cravings with practical strategies and pharmacological smoking cessation treatment. However, many expressed uncertainty regarding long-term maintenance.

Hospital-initiated smoking cessation support was perceived as timely and useful by patients with COPD. The combination of the hospital context and a respectful, person-centred approach facilitated early cessation. However, sustained abstinence after discharge was perceived to be challenging.