Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to identify literature available to educate surgical candidates on the effects of continued smoking on surgical outcomes.

Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to analyze literature available to educate surgical candidates on the effects of continued smoking on surgical outcomes.

---

A literature review was conducted using various combinations of search terms related to smoking, surgery and education. Integrative review conducted using the model as developed by Ganong.
Education relating surgical outcomes to smoking was addressed in four of eight studies.  One study addressed the benefits of short term abstinence and the hazards of pre-surgical smoking. One self-reported study showed that 13% of general surgeons and 1% anesthesiologists provided education and resources for quitting. Results of a questionnaire sent to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists revealed 38% provided smoking cessation counseling. 
Implications: Further research is required to determine if education based upon the effects of smoking on surgical outcomes can reduce pre and post operative smoking. The perioperative nurse is the ideal health care member to implement a smoking cessation program that focuses on educating surgical patients on the effects smoking can have on surgical outcomes.