Developing a patient group direction (PGD) to meet the needs of special client groups

Author and presenter:
Catherine Burke
Stop Smoking Nurse Specialist, Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, NHS Lanarkshire, UK

Abstract
Developing a Patient Group Direction (PGD) to meet the needs of special client groups.

Evidence suggests that to attract the heavier addicted smoker to attempt a quit and to sustain abstinence, we must consider
therapy options.

Following a lengthy process of negotiation with Public Health Consultant, Pharmacists and the Drug and Therapeutics Committee the Lanarkshire PGD was successfully updated to include:

• Free NRT for all.
• Combinations up to 12 weeks
• Intermittent therapies for a further 12 weeks if required.
• Easier access to NRT for clients in special groups: post MI, pregnancy, mental health and youth
• Therapy flowcharts

To support the PGD the service offers a ‘One Stop Shop’ with specialist support tailored to suit the individual needs.

Conflicts of interest: none