How should I approach smoking cessation support for patients with COPD in my practice?

When supporting patients with COPD in smoking cessation, ask about their smoking habits at every opportunity and advise them to stop smoking, emphasizing that quitting in one go is the most effective approach ².

Provide tailored stop-smoking interventions, including behavioural support and pharmacotherapy, and discuss previous use of stop-smoking aids ².

Offer referral to local NHS stop smoking services, especially for those who are highly dependent on nicotine, as they may need higher support levels and multiple attempts ¹.

Encourage use of evidence-based behavioural support such as individual counselling, which has been shown to be more effective than minimal support, and consider adjunctive support from trained professionals or group sessions ¹.

Discuss the benefits of quitting, including the short- and long-term health benefits, and address barriers such as stress by suggesting coping strategies like breathing and relaxation techniques ².

Advise on the importance of follow-up support, including repeat clinical support and CO monitoring, to motivate and assess progress ¹.

Inform about the availability of pharmacotherapies like NRT, varenicline, or bupropion, and discuss their risks and benefits, especially considering the patient's COPD status ¹.

Encourage patients to involve family support and consider a harm reduction approach if they are not ready to quit immediately ¹.