Design: Review of literature and presentation of findings

Findings: Although somewhat limited, research has shown that nurses can effectively implement smoking cessation intervention in a variety of clinical settings. Additionally, nurses are effective in implementing tobacco use prevention messages, and messages geared towards the protection of non-smokers, including children, against exposure to the health risks of second-hand smoke. A growing number of countries have adopted tobacco cessation guidelines that support the importance of nursing involvement in effective interventions. Nonetheless, the limited inclusion of tobacco control content in schools of nursing, and practicing nurses' lack of knowledge and skills remain as barriers to fully incorporating research-based interventions into clinical practice. An increasing number of resources are now available to help educate and empower nurses in these critical health promotion activities.

Conclusions: Although research has shown that nurses are effective in promoting smoking cessation across a variety of settings, changes in educational and practice policies are needed to incorporate the scientific evidence into nursing education and practice. Implementation of cessation interventions, and the need for culturally tailored programs, are important areas for nursing research.

Implications: Several mechanisms exist to improve adoption of science-based programs. These include curricular changes, continuing education programs, and ensuring that tobacco control activities are a standard part of good nursing practice. These changes are urgently needed to impact the increased tobacco epidemic.

Back to Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation: A Nursing Mandate
Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004