The aim of this project is to provide patients and staff with support in making and during a quit attempt to stop smoking and create a smoke free environment within the acute mental health inpatient wards at monklands hospital.

The smoking cessation therapy is carried out on a one to one basis or group basis and is delivered by staff within the ward. Staff liase with the multi disciplinary team regarding patients and are fully supported by the stop smoking nurse specialist within the hospital. The support given in regards to pharmacological products ranges from 8-12 weeks depending on the nicotine replacement therapy being utilised however psychological input can vary from one individual to another and is provided in accordance with the patients individual needs. Staff within the ward are trained to provide brief advice on smoking cessation to patients as per the recommendations made by the Scottish Executive and a member of staff has undertaken the smoking cessation course provided by ASH Scotland and Caledonian University.
Therapeutic interventions/health promotion include...
..Nicotine replacements therapy NRT
advice on behavioural changes
..The adverse effects of smoking
..The benefits to physical health on stopping smoking
..The withdrawal symptoms of stopping smoking and how to manage same
..Assessment of the efficacy of NRT products
..Asssessment of regular prescribed medications during a quit attempt
..Carbon monxide monitoring
..Healthy living advice
..Relaxation and divertional techniques which include auricular acupuncture and indian head massage
..Problem solving regarding lapsing/relapsing.
these are the core topics for the smoking ccessation offered on the wards. Everyone using the stop smoking service is entered onto the Scottish Data base wher their progress is monitored. Follow up on discharge is provided by the community stop smoking service however patients can contact the wards for psychological support if required.

To be reviewed