April 29, 2005

MGH Quit Smoking Service offers help to inpatients

For many people who smoke, finding a time in their lives when they are ready to quit can be a challenge. Sometimes a hospital stay presents a good opportunity to quit smoking. To help MGH patients take advantage of this opportunity to quit, the MGH
Quit Smoking Service offers resources that can help.

A smoking counselor from the MGH Quit Smoking Service can visit patients at the bedside to offer information about the most effective treatments — such as the nicotine patch or gum — and to help patients manage their nicotine withdrawal while in the hospital. Quitting smoking while hospitalized, can help speed their recovery and lowers their chances of future illnesses.

"Hospitalization provides a teachable moment when smokers are especially receptive to cessation interventions," says Nancy Rigotti, MD, director of the MGH Quit Smoking Service. "We would like to encourage clinicians to call our service for patients whom they suspect might be interested in quitting. Even if a patient isn't quite ready to quit, our services can help provide support while they are in the hospital and unable to smoke." Clinical studies have shown that smoking cessation counseling during hospitalization and for one month after discharge increases long-term smoking cessation rates by 82 percent.

For more information about the MGH Quit Smoking Service or to refer an inpatient, call (617) 726-7443.