Time to rethink tobacco dependence treatment in Australia

Challenges and opportunities for tobacco control in Australia: a qualitative study

“…With respect to improved smoking cessation support, an immediate priority of many interviewees was the development and implementation of an evidence‐based national cessation strategy that is consistent with Australia's obligations under Article 14 of the FCTC. Australia is currently lacking best‐practice standards of care for tobacco and nicotine dependence, resulting in fragmented and inadequate treatment practices and resourcing 30,31 . A comprehensive national treatment strategy that (i) features clear, robust and mandated smoking cessation guidelines; (ii) trains those in the health sector to deliver optimal cessation support; (iii) ensures pharmacotherapies are subsidised (or complimentary) and made available in line with evidence‐based recommendations for use; and (iv) provides funds for specialised behavioural support will provide Australia with the systematic approach needed to reduce smoking prevalence 30 .…”

“…Australia is currently lacking bestpractice standards of care for tobacco and nicotine dependence, resulting in fragmented and inadequate treatment practices and resourcing. 30,31 A comprehensive national treatment strategy that (i) features clear, robust and mandated smoking cessation guidelines; (ii) trains those in the health sector to deliver optimal cessation support; (iii) ensures pharmacotherapies are subsidised (or complimentary) and made available in line with evidence-based recommendations for use; and (iv) provides funds for specialised behavioural support will provide Australia with the systematic approach needed to reduce smoking prevalence. 30 The implementation of a strategy that embeds smoking cessation across the health system also has the potential to optimise cessation treatment among priority population groups, effectively reducing tobacco-related inequality.…”

E‐cigarette regulation: Is it time for a new Framework Convention on Tobacco Control?

“…24 Despite the provision of effective cessation being enshrined in Article 14 of the FCTC, health care systems have systematically failed to implement best practice tobacco cessation. 24 The reasons cited for failing to engage in smoking cessation in the clinic are consistently not enough time or lack of training. 24,25 But health care professionals can, and do, take the time to learn about complex interventions which are often less effective than quitting smoking on clinical outcomes.…”

“…24 The reasons cited for failing to engage in smoking cessation in the clinic are consistently not enough time or lack of training. 24,25 But health care professionals can, and do, take the time to learn about complex interventions which are often less effective than quitting smoking on clinical outcomes. Failure to ask, advise and help with appropriate pharmacotherapy and referral to cessation support makes no sense from a clinical perspective and cessation must not be viewed in the clinic as an optional extra.…”

Vaping nicotine should be part of Australia's tobacco control policy

“…are quite right to lament the lack of recent progress in tobacco control in Australia and the continuing high smoking rate, particularly in disadvantaged communities. 1 Traditional strategies have been successful in the past but are having a diminishing effect and the rate of decline has slowed in recent years. Easier access to new and effective strategies for adult smokers such as vaping nicotine are urgently needed.…”