Helping people quit smoking in general practice

This manual (created July 2019) has been created as a resource for general practices to aid in the delivery of effective smoking cessation services.

The resource will help you evaluate your current practice and identify any changes that could be made to improve your smoking cessation service and ultimately reduce the number of smokers at your practice.

The 2017/18: New Zealand Health Survey shows the prevalence of current smokers in New Zealand is 13 per cent (estimated at 512,000 adults), with rates still highest in Māori and Pacific Island populations. Approximately 5,000 people die in New Zealand each year from smoking or exposure to second hand smoke. On average, long-term smokers die 10 to 15 years earlier because of smoking.

It is important for primary healthcare professionals to provide the best possible support for people who are wanting to quit smoking.

This is primarily a Taranaki resource. Note the three medication patient information leaflets below are relevant for all localities.

For more information