Smokers with lung conditions want support and empathetic, constructive advice at an early stage

The results of a study we led with a group of healthcare professionals from the European Respiratory Society on the views of people with lung conditions who smoke has been published in ERJ Open Research.

As part of the study, 514 people answered an online questionnaire, which was translated into 16 languages.

The survey asked people about their lung conditions and smoking habits, their views on quitting smoking and experiences with healthcare professionals on this topic, and the kind of support they would like to receive in relation to quitting.

The responses showed that, while most people wanted to stop smoking, 90% found it difficult.

Participants made the following recommendations for how to help people quit smoking:

• Having a range of treatment options available to suit people with different needs
• Longer consultations and follow-up support from healthcare professionals
• Healthcare professionals showing empathy and an understanding of addiction
• More public awareness
• Support with willpower and self-confidence

Read the full paper. 

Factsheet: Smoking when you have a lung condition

We also produced a factsheet, ‘Smoking when you have a lung condition’, together with the healthcare professionals involved in the project.

The factsheet is available in eight different languages.

Visit our factsheet page.