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ABC Smoking Cessation Approach
Smoking is a serious addiction, over half of all people who smoke cannot quit without help. About half of all people who smoke die from a smoking-related disease. On average, smokers lose 15 years of their lives.
The Ministry of Health and Capital & Coast District Health Board are working together to improve the delivery of smoking cessation advice and support for all smokers who come into contact with the health system.
The programme is based on the New Zealand Smoking Cessation Guidelines. ABC prompts health workers to:
- Ask all patients if they smoke
- Provide Brief advice to quit to all smokers
- Offer Cessation support.
Health professionals have a key role to play in helping smokers to quit - both by prompting people to try quitting, and giving that attempt every chance to be successful, by making evidence-based cessation support treatment available.
Effective interventions can improve success rates by up to 300 per cent.
In March 2009, an internet-based e-learning tool for registered health workers was launched, providing practical information about how to incorporate ABC into every day practice. The tool aims to make Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and other cessation services much more accessible to smokers.
The tool is endorsed by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, awarding Continuing Medical Education points on completion, as well as professional development for other registered health professionals.
Registered health care workers can also register as Quit Card providers upon completion of the e-learning tool.
The 'elephant in the room' concept is an obvious truth that is being ignored or unaddressed. In this case, the elephant in the room is smoking, something that is too big to ignore.
The online e-learning tool is available at: www.smokingcessationabc.org.nz