Substituts nicotiniques et droit de prescription des sages-femmes

Nicotine substitution treatments (NST) are recommended in France for pregnant women after the failure of psychological and/or behaviour methods. Midwives should be coherent as regards their rights and duties: they may prescribe NST to their patients (Official Gazette of the 8th of November 2005: decree of the 12th of October 2005 modifying the decree of the 23rd of February 2004), although they often consider themselves inadequately trained. This is highly unfortunate since the midwife's care of the addiction is essential for success. On the other hand, tobacologist midwives are qualified but are not able to prescribe to anyone, they are only able to advise. Nevertheless, the need for the spouse and those around the patient to stop smoking is an important factor in success. The fact that consultations in tobacology are not quoted is certainly a hindrance in patient care.