THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN HEALTH PROMOTION - AN EVALUATION OF A SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM IN SURGICAL PREADMISSION CLINICS

This paper presents a pilot study evaluating a smoking cessation progr amme, implemented by a nurse, in surgical pre-admission clinics at The Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital NHS Trust, Chesterfi eld, England. Using a quasi-experimental design, a convenience sample of 60 subjects who smoked were randomized, 30 to a control and 30 to a treatment group. Those in the treatment group received a variety of e ducational interventions and self-assessment questionnaires relating t o smoking cessation, when attending the clinic. The control group rece ived routine information. Data were collected using the combined inter view and questionnaire method. There was a significant increase in pos itive behaviour on admission to hospital in the treatment group (80% s topped or reduced smoking), compared to a control group (50% stopped o r reduced smoking), particularly in subjects who did not intend to red uce or stop before admission. The level of satisfaction with the servi ce and information relating to smoking cessation was also significantl y higher in the treatment group. Subjects described the approach of th e nurse and a leaflet devised for the study, as the most helpful aspec ts of the programme. The study highlights how the nurse, using appropr iate theory to underpin such a programme, can facilitate smokers' inte ntion to stop or reduce tobacco consumption prior to hospital admissio n, and help them to prepare for their surgery, anaesthesia, and the ho spital's no smoking policy.