Tobacco in a Surgical Setting

Q:

I am working on a presentation to our surgical staff about communicating the importance of remaining tobacco free (specifically chewing tobacco) while in the hospital for surgery.

Has anyone recently done a presentation or in-service with staff around this issue?

Any suggestions?

I have materials and plan to do some role playing with staff around how to address this with patients before they come to the hospital and again once they are admitted for surgery.

Does anyone offer NRT the morning of surgery to assist with withdrawal?

Thank you in advance for any responses.

Kathy

A: Here are a couple of free online trainings which have tailored information for the surgical setting:

·         Rx for Change (http://rxforchange.ucsf.edu/) – includes a version for surgical providers

·         Managing Nicotine Withdrawal (http://www.cecentral.com/activity/6760) -- See the “Cigarette Smoking, Nicotine, and the Surgical Patient” module

Also, the American Society of Anesthesiologists as a resource page providing tools, including brochures, video, and PowerPoint presentation about stopping smoking before surgery.

http://www.asahq.org/For-Members/Clinical-Information/ASA-Stop-Smoking-Initiative.aspx