Smoking and surgery: an opportunity for health improvement (letter)

Despite continued reductions in smoking prevalence in Australia, recent data from New South Wales (NSW) indicates that approximately 20% of adults currently smoke daily or occasionally, a figure that is higher among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or those from other socio-economically disadvantaged groups. To address the health burden of tobacco use it is recommended that health professionals working in a variety of health care settings provide routine smoking cessation advice and assistance to all patients who smoke. In particular, it is recommended that health professionals capitalise on the ‘teachable moment’ smokers experience during the period of hospitalisation, where patients are more motivated to take steps to improve their health, are more ready to quit smoking and more receptive to quit smoking advice.