A national survey of smoking cessation provision in all colposcopy clinics in Scotland and a model of best practice
Author(s)
Alexis Rumbles and Dr Simon Nicholson
Presenter(s)
Alexis Rumbles Hospital Nurse Adviser, St John's Hospital, Livington, Scotland
Abstract
Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a specialist examines a magnified view of the cervix. Women are referred to colposcopy clinics for a number of reasons. The most common reason is an abnormal smear suggesting pre cancerous change within the cervix.
Evidence demonstrates smoking cessation encourages low-grade lesions to regress without further intervention and cervical smears to return to normal. Additionally, stopping smoking reduces recurrence after colposcopy loop excision of those lesions requiring treatment. The most common form of treatment in NHS Lothian is to remove abnormal cells from the cervix by loop excision.
A national survey was conducted to establish levels of smoking cessation information, advice and support provided in all colposcopy clinics throughout Scotland. Results will be presented along with discussion on methods and outcomes of the current service offered in the colposcopy clinic at St John’s, a local district hospital, where smoking cessation became an integral part of treatment, resulting in a 1-month success rate of 58%.
