Smoking cessation - An evidence-based approach

Smoking remains the largest single cause of preventable morbidity and morta lity in Europe. Successful strategies for smoking cessation will have clear health benefits. Even brief advice from health professionals can increase smoking cessation and such an approach should be actively promoted. The Hea lth Education Authority (see note) in England recently developed comprehens ive, evidence-based, professionally endorsed guidelines on smoking cessatio n. These guidelines are presented here as specific recommendations for each of the main target audiences. Although the guidelines were commissioned by the Health Education Authority (note) which had a remit for England, it is anticipated that they will prove relevant and adaptable to other countries and healthcare systems across Europe.