Abstract
Background
Given, smoking results in poor physical and mental health, reducing tobacco harm is of high importance. Recommendations published by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to reduce smoking harms included provision of support, use of nicotine containing products and commissioning of smoking cessation services.
Aims
This report explores the difficulties in obtaining such support, as observed in a recently conducted randomised controlled trial in patients with severe mental ill health, and outlines suggestions to improve facilitation of provision.
Methods
Data collected during the Smoking Cessation Intervention for severe Mental Ill Health Trial (SCIMITAR+) trial, was reviewed to identify the difficulties experienced, across the trial, with regards to access and provision of NRT. Actions taken to facilitate access and provision of NRT were collated to outline how provision could be better facilitated.
Results
Access to nicotine replacements therapy (NRT) varied across study settings and in some instances proved impossible for patients to access. Difficulty in access was irrespective of a diagnosis of severe mental ill health. Where NRT was provided, this was not always provided in accordance with NICE guidelines.
Conclusions
Availability of smoking cessation support, and NRT provision would benefit from being made clearer, simpler and more easily accessible so as to enhance smoking cessation rates.
Given, smoking results in poor physical and mental health, reducing tobacco harm is of high importance. Recommendations published by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to reduce smoking harms included provision of support, use of nicotine containing products and commissioning of smoking cessation services.
Aims
This report explores the difficulties in obtaining such support, as observed in a recently conducted randomised controlled trial in patients with severe mental ill health, and outlines suggestions to improve facilitation of provision.
Methods
Data collected during the Smoking Cessation Intervention for severe Mental Ill Health Trial (SCIMITAR+) trial, was reviewed to identify the difficulties experienced, across the trial, with regards to access and provision of NRT. Actions taken to facilitate access and provision of NRT were collated to outline how provision could be better facilitated.
Results
Access to nicotine replacements therapy (NRT) varied across study settings and in some instances proved impossible for patients to access. Difficulty in access was irrespective of a diagnosis of severe mental ill health. Where NRT was provided, this was not always provided in accordance with NICE guidelines.
Conclusions
Availability of smoking cessation support, and NRT provision would benefit from being made clearer, simpler and more easily accessible so as to enhance smoking cessation rates.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e120 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | BJPsych Open |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 6 |
Early online date | 15 Oct 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2020 |