In 1997/98, smoking prevalence for persons aged 18years and over was 27% for males and 21% for females (NSW Report of the Chief Health Officer, 2000).
It is well documented through out the literature that: .
Smoking has been labelled the most important preventable cause of death and disease. .
Cigarette smoking causes lung, oral, and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, maternal/ foetal complications, and other disorders. .
Smoking cessation dramatically reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer and prevents continuation of the decline in lung function in those with chronic obstructive lung disease .
(NSW Report of Chief Health Officer, 2000).
There is a strong association between smoking and affective, anxiety and substance use disorders. Jorm (1999) points out, in smokers aged 18-39years the prevalence of any mental disorder was 35% in both men and women.
Given this, the writer believes that it is essential for health professionals to offer symptom management and smoking cessation intervention to nicotine dependent patients who are hospitalised, taking up the "window of opportunity". Cole (2001) explains the importance of taking up the window of opportunity, stating that " a serious or life threatening illness represents a teachable moment, a time when personalization of the risks of cigarettes are particularly graphic, when motivation is elevated and intention to quit is high".
In my role as the Drug and Alcohol (D&A) Hospital Consultation Liaison Nurse, I visit wards and departments as required, depending on the patient's situation. Once a patient presents to the ED and staff identifies that there is drug and alcohol involvement in the patient's life, staff contact the D&A hospital liaison nurse. It is than my role to review the patient and determine if there is a further need for drug and alcohol intervention.