Managing patients nicotine withdrawal in a supportive manner and prescribing appropriate medication where required may prevent the patient from becoming agitated or anxious, making their stay in hospital more comfortable.
The Management of Nicotine Addiction Assessment (Inpatient) Tool (MNAAT) should be used as part of the admission procedure to inpatients who smoke, to prevent them from experiencing acute nicotine withdrawal and is an important part of patient care.
Robert Sterritt, who quit smoking after being referred during his stay in hospital, said: “I found out about Quit Your Way whilst I was in Hairmyres hospital after I had a heart attack. My nurse asked me if I smoked, and when I responded I did, she asked if I would like referred to Quit Your Way.
“I started Nicotine Replacement Therapy whilst I was in hospital, and was issued with patches and gum. I was also shown how to apply the patch and given the tip to remove before sleeping as I experience sleep disturbances from the nicotine.
“The Quit Your Way team supported me after my hospital stay by sending me out my NRT, it’s been about six weeks now that I’ve been smoke-free and I previously smoked around 40 cigarettes per day.”
Jackie MacDonald, team leader – Quit Your Way, said: “The best way for NHS staff to help their patients who smoke to improve their health and prevent readmission to hospital is to offer them Nicotine Replacement therapy and refer them to the Quit Your Way service.”
Find out more information about the MNAAT
Visit the Quit Your Way dedicated FirstPort page for acute referrers, or phone our local helpline on 01698 754 888, which is available Monday to Friday.
The local Lanarkshire helpline is where you can get assistance with queries in regards to stopping smoking, including:
- Taking referrals
- Provide behavioural support to clients who are motivated to stop smoking (as required)
- Advise on pharmacotherapy products available to support quitting
