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Record learning outcomes

Training your team and ensuring everyone's knowledge is up-to-date are important CPD triggers. We suggest that you get the team together for a training session based on the activities below and discuss the various ways in which you can offer customers and patients added care in this category.

Subject: stop smoking

This Train Your Team checklist provides support and information to run a team training session on stop smoking. This content can also be used for your own CPD.

Reflection

• Do I have the necessary skills to help my customers to stop smoking?
• How frequently do I include a question about smoking status when conducting MURs/NMS or providing health information?
• Am I familiar with NICE guidance on tobacco harm reduction? Could I discuss it with people who wish to try this approach?
• Am I familiar with the range of NRT products and which types are indicated for people of different smoking habits?
• Am I familiar with the Stop Smoking Services in my area? Do I know where to refer customers for further help?

Training checklist

Ensure support staff understand the following key points:

• The percentages of people still smoking and the age ranges in which smoking is most prevalent
• Quitting isn’t easy. Several attempts may be necessary
• Harm reduction offers a useful approach for some people
• People asking regularly for cough medication and/or buying whitening toothpastes should be questioned about their smoking status
• Care should be taken to identify the NRT product that is likely to be most effective for an individual customer.

I will ensure:

• We are all confident in our knowledge about harm reduction
• A customer’s smoking status is checked during medication reviews, on requests for cough medication and in patients with smoking-related conditions
• A smoking cessation protocol is drawn up to ensure that my staff ask the right questions so that the most appropriate NRT product is recommended
• My staff can meet the points in the training checklist.

Practice activity

• Gaining weight is a concern for many people who want to stop smoking. Visit the NHS Choices website for advice.
• How can you use this information to help someone who wishes to stop smoking and control his or her weight?