Wilson, Julie S and Fitzsimons, Donna and Bradbury, Ian and Elborn, J Stuart (2008) Does additional support by nurses enhance the effect of a brief smoking cessation intervention in people with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? A randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 45, (4), pp. 508-517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2006.10.001.
BACKGROUND: Smoking cessation is the primary disease modifying intervention for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
SETTING: A Regional Respiratory Centre (RRC) out-patient department in Northern Ireland.
METHODS: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the effectiveness of brief advice alone or accompanied by individual nurse support or group support facilitated by nurses. Smoking status was biochemically validated and stage of change, nicotine addiction and dyspnoea were recorded at 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.
PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-one cigarette smokers with COPD were enrolled in the study (mean age 61 years, 47 female).
RESULTS: After 12 months cessation rates were not significantly different between groups (p=0.7), but all groups had a significant reduction in their nicotine addiction (p=0.03-0.006). No changes in subjects' motivation or dyspnoea were detected over the 12 months.
CONCLUSION: Patients with COPD were unable to stop smoking regardless of the type of support they received. Harm reduction may be a more appropriate goal than complete cessation for intractable smokers and nurses must evaluate their role in this arena.
G Health and disease > State of health > Physical health
G Health and disease > Respiratory / lung disease
HJ Treatment or recovery method > Substance disorder treatment method > Cessation of substance use
HJ Treatment or recovery method > Psychosocial treatment method > Individual therapy > Brief intervention
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Patient / client care management
T Demographic characteristics > Nurse / Midwife
VA Geographic area > Europe > Northern Ireland
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