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An audit to assess the smoking cessation activities of dental health professionals
Sheena Kotecha, Senior House Officer Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,
University Hospitals Birmingham, UK
Abstract
Objectives:
Smoking is one of the biggest public health challenges the world faces today. It remains the largest single preventable cause of death and disability in the UK. In March 2006 the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence published guidelines for health professionals on the delivery of effective smoking cessation advice. The aims of this audit are to identify current smoking cessation activities by maxillofacial surgeons and dental health professionals in the secondary sector across the West Midlands.
Methods:
Questionnaires were designed to assess current use of the Four As model. These were distributed to staff and undergraduates at the Birmingham Dental Hospital and to maxillofacial units in the West Midlands. The responses were entered onto a bespoke database.
Results:
150 questionnaires were returned (response rate = 75%). 40% of clinicians do not check the smoking status of patients and 60% do not give smoking cessation advice. 10% of clinicians never give smoking cessation advice and 63% do not enquire about other forms of tobacco use.
Conclusions:
Clinicians are failing to meet smoking cessation guidelines. Clinicians do not feel confident in offering assistance to patients who want to quit. The audit has highlighted that the barriers to giving smoking cessation are advice lack of time and lack of confidence in smoking cessation skills. The audit has demonstrated a need for improved staff training in secondary
care settings.
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About the presenter
Sheena Kotecha is a Senior House Officer working in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospitals in Birmingham.
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