Smoking cessation intervention with pregnant women and new parents: A survey of health visitors, midwives and practice nurses

A survey was undertaken to examine the attitudes, knowledge and practice of health visitors, midwives and practice nurses in relation to smoking cessation intervention with pregnant women and new parents. In total, 65 questionnaires were completed (52.42% return rate). Health visitors, midwives and practice nurses were aware of the reasons why pregnant women smoke as well as the health risks associated with smoking. All claimed to intervene by asking if their patients smoked. Most respondents claimed to record smoking status on health records and to give cessation advice to their patients. However, fewer of the health professionals provided advice to partners of women in their care and only a minority had read the NICE clinical guidelines on nicotine replacement therapies. There were limitations to the health professionals’ attitudes, knowledge and practice that could affect the quality of smoking cessation service offered to patients. Further training in evidence-based practice is required.