Recommendations to improve smoking cessation outcomes with supporting literature, where available
| Respondent recommendations | References for supporting literature |
| It is important for the healthcare professional to understand each person's level of addiction and the high level of challenge in attempting to stop smoking | [6, 18, 25] |
| Frequently repeat cessation advice and plan follow-up visits to address smoking cessation as the primary issue | [19, 27] |
| Discussing reasons for relapse can provide important information for tailoring individual treatments | [10, 13, 14, 18] |
| Self-efficacy and self-esteem affect the individual's ability to stop smoking, so advice should be targeted to address issues of motivation, self-efficacy and self-esteem | [3, 10, 11, 26–28] |
| Pharmacological and psychological support should be provided as part of smoking cessation treatment due to the frequency of anxiety, depression and panic disorders | [3, 7, 11, 14, 16, 17, 26] |
| Healthcare professionals should be empathic, understanding and show respect to the individual's opinions about smoking | [17–27] |
| If a certain treatment does not help, offer a new or different cessation treatment | [7, 17, 28] |
| People who find it especially difficult to stop smoking due to their home environment could benefit from intensive treatment, such as in an inpatient cessation facility for an agreed period of time | [12] |
| If someone finds it difficult to stop smoking abruptly, i.e. “going cold turkey”, suggest a reduction programme over an agreed period of time | [3, 34] |
| Earlier public and individual intervention, such as public awareness initiatives, and routine discussion of smoking is needed, especially before a lung disease has developed | [8, 20] |
| Allow time to discuss the individual's relationship with smoking and reasons for continuing | [13] |
| Give constructive advice on cessation strategies and support | |
| Give a range of treatment options, and explain them so that each person can make an informed decision about their treatment | |
| Explain the effect of smoking and how stopping would affect each person's lung condition |