A new program developed by the National Prescribing Service is designed to support patients currently considering quitting smoking and assist pharmacists in developing tailored smoking cessation programs for them.

Senior clinical adviser Judith Mackson said attempts to quit are more likely to succeed if coupled with the right information, products and support, especially for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. “Even if patients haven’t indicated they want to quit smoking, health professionals have a responsibility to discuss smoking cessation as you are in a position to prompt people to begin a serious cessation program.” According to NSW Cancer Institute, the number of smokers seeking advice about quitting from GPs and pharmacists has doubled since 2007.

The article can be found on the www.pharmacynews.com/au website here.