Environmental CO capture influences smoke free homes
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Author(s)
Tracy Rowland, Health Programme Advisor - Maternity, Dorset Public Health and Martin Marsh, Managing Director, MD Diagnostics Ltd, Kent.
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| Presenter(s) |
Tracy Rowland Health Programme Advisor - Maternity, Dorset Public Health |
Martin Marsh Managing Director, MD Diagnostics Ltd, Kent |
Abstract We would like to show the positive impact of taking an environmental carbon monoxide (CO) reading in a client’s home. CO monitoring is a valuable tool; however the added advantage of taking an environmental reading within the client’s home is a powerful statement and one which is difficult for clients to deny. The reading is live and can be taken from room to room. We want to show the impact this reading had on a family and the short and long term benefits this can bring.
The main focus is on a family of heavy smokers where the husband and wife (pregnant) are motivated to change their smoking behaviour due to high carbon monoxide readings within the home.The pregnant client made quit attempts and eventually quit. CO readings were taken on each home visit. On the third visit, the husband agreed to a CO breath test which was high. The CO Monitor also recorded the environmental reading at this point and was significant, which prompted discussion regarding second hand smoke and smoke free homes.This led to the husband making a quit attempt and making the home smoke free.The environmental reading showed a significant decrease in carbon monoxide levels post quit.
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Presenter biography Tracy Rowland – I am a Registered Nurse and have several years experience working as a general Stop Smoking Advisor before specialising in smoking in pregnancy. I have worked for the Public Health Directorate, NHS Dorset for approximately four years and have co-ordinated the Pregnancy Service and helped to deliver support to pregnant women, partners and family members. Our focus has been to try and deliver a high quality, flexible service and home visits have allowed a more individual approach. I also introduced an “Opt-out” Care Pathway to encourage referrals to the Stop Smoking Service and recently the Maternity Unit has been supplied with CO Check Baby Monitors to assist Midwives working with this challenging client group.
Martin Marsh - 1992 – 2007 International Sales & Marketing Manager – Micro Medical Ltd – Was involved in developing CO breath testing world-wide and launched the first commercial device for monitoring %FCOHb levels in pregnant women. 2009 to date – With over 20 years of experience in breath test equipment I set up MD Diagnostics Ltd. We released the CO Check Baby in 2010. 2 years later, and with the help of advanced technology, it was reintroduced as a CO device for monitoring Environmental CO Levels in conjunction to performing CO Breath Tests. Other handheld devices for 2013 include Hydrogen breath testing for the simple diagnoses of Lactose Intolerance.
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Source of funding: Self funded
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Declaration of interest: Martin Marsh is the Managing Director of MD Diagnostics Ltd. MD Diagnostics Ltd manufacture a range of Carbon Monoxide monitors.
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