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Every breath I take: smoking cessation for clients with COPD
Pam Shields, Respiratory Nurse Consultant, Northern Hearts
and Lungs Service, Victoria, Australia
Abstract
Northern Hearts and Lungs Service (NHandLS) commenced a smoking cessation service in 2005. This paper will focus on the experience of three clients from the smoking cessation clinic, No Drawbacks. They are long-term smokers who suffer with severe COPD and have a nicotine addiction. They commenced smoking in their early teens, and have suffered major depression and anxiety. All have a strong family history of smoking. These clients have tried to quit using a combination NRT method and all were unable to break their addiction. They all experienced major health events while using NRT. varenicline has been prescribed as the next form of treatment.
The clients report a feeling of support and understanding from a clinic model of care; an increased knowledge of the addiction and treatments aims. They are ambivalent about quitting due to previous experience, feelings of depression and anxiety, and medication side effects. This is enhanced by the fear of relapse. One client finally quit using varenicline after 3 years of attempts. This client is already feeling the health benefits. The clients acknowledge the place for clinics in contemplating and supporting the process of stopping smoking.
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About the presenter
Pam Shields is the Respiratory Nurse Consultant for the Northern Hearts and Lungs Service, Victoria, Australia. This service encourages self-management strategies for clients with chronic disease. Pam has a special interest in health and mental illness and has completed Honours in Psychology. Combining these interests, Pam undertook a smoking cessation training course in 2005 and commenced a smoking cessation clinic, No Drawbacks, at The Northern Hospital in March 2006. Pam has presented at conferences in Australia on COPD and smoking cessation. She also lectures in behavioural therapies in the Smoking Cessation course offered at Lung Health at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne.
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