Smoking cessation is the most significant and beneficial intervention for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Margaret Barnett looks at why patients smoke and how health professionals can be effective in persuading patients to stop smoking.
Margaret Barnett, MSc in Nursing Studies, COPD Dip.is a COPD Specialist Nurse , Plymouth, Devon.
Article accepted for publicatioan: May 2008
Acknowledgements: The author would like to thank Russ Moody, Training & Development Coordinator, Plymouth NHS Stop Smoking Service for his advice.