Improving Smoking Status Recording in Primary Care
Author Information
Author(s): Murray Rachael L, Coleman Tim, Antoniak Marilyn, Fergus Alexia, Britton John, Lewis Sarah A
Primary Institution: University of Nottingham
Hypothesis
This study aims to establish the completeness and accuracy of smoking status recording in patients' primary care medical records and the level of interest in receiving smoking cessation support.
Conclusion
The ascertainment of smoking status is often incomplete and inaccurate, and failure to intervene appropriately on known status remains a significant challenge.
Supporting Evidence
- The proportion of patients with a smoking status recorded varied between practices from 42.4% to 100%.
- 41.4% of current smokers indicated they would like to speak to a specialist smoking adviser.
- Interest in cessation support increased with socioeconomic disadvantage.
Takeaway
Doctors need to ask patients about their smoking habits more often, and many smokers want help quitting, especially those who are struggling financially.
Methodology
Postal questionnaires were sent to patients aged over 18 from 24 general practices in Nottingham, UK, who were registered as smokers or had no smoking status recorded.
Potential Biases
There may have been selection bias in the practices that participated, as they might have had a greater interest in smoking cessation.
Limitations
Participation was relatively low, possibly due to inaccuracies in addresses and ethical constraints requiring signed consent.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 18 and over from 24 general practices in Nottingham, UK.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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