General Feedback on Smoking Cessation Counselling

Examiner feedback from the mock test conducted on 21/06/24

Introduction

• Scenario Understanding: It is crucial to identify the type of station during the initial reading of the question. Recognizing it as a counseling station helps streamline your approach.

• History Taking: Keep the history brief and relevant, focusing on information that aids in explaining the management plan.

Effective History Taking

• Initial Questions:

• Confirm the patient's immediate condition (e.g., chest pain) and planned procedures (e.g., scheduled angioplasty).

• Ask about current symptoms to address any immediate needs.

• Past Medical History:

• Gather information about past medical conditions that smoking could worsen or that might have contributed to the current condition.

• Medication and Compliance:

• Understand the patient's medication regimen and adherence.

• Lifestyle and Diet:

• Ask about diet and hobbies, as these can be integrated into the management plan.

• Living Situation:

• Briefly inquire about who the patient lives with and their general lifestyle.

Smoking History

• Signposting:

• Before delving into sensitive topics like smoking, give a heads-up to prepare the patient.

• Detailed Smoking History:

• Ask about the amount and frequency of smoking.

• Inquire about past attempts to quit and reasons for smoking enjoyment (e.g., the high, social aspect).

• Understand how long they have been smoking.

Management Plan

• Addressing Misconceptions:

• Correct any false beliefs about smoking and health. Use the patient's own experiences (e.g., chest pain) to emphasize the risks.

• Explain the Impact:

• Correlate smoking with their current health conditions and future risks, including surgery recovery and overall health.

• Referral to Smoking Cessation Clinics:

• Highlight the availability of specialized clinics for smoking cessation, offering psychological and medical support.

Tailored Management Strategies

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy:

• Suggest alternatives like nicotine patches or gum to manage the need for nicotine.

• Redirect Enjoyment:

• Encourage activities like yoga or hobbies that provide similar satisfaction to smoking.

• Oral Fixation Alternatives:

• Recommend less harmful options like e-cigarettes or chewing gum.

• Support Groups:

• Suggest focus groups or reformers’ talks to provide social support and inspiration.

Wrapping Up

• Safety Netting:

• Advise immediate hospital visits if symptoms worsen.

• Follow-Up:

• Schedule follow-up appointments with the GP to monitor progress and adjust the plan.

• Educational Materials:

• Provide leaflets and pamphlets for additional information on quitting smoking and healthy lifestyle changes.

Communication Skills

• Empathy:

• Show empathy for the patient's condition to build rapport.

• Avoiding Medical Jargon:

• Use simple language to ensure the patient understands the advice.

• Autonomy:

• Emphasize the patient's control over their health decisions, providing options rather than directives.

• Signposting and Flow:

• Maintain the conversation flow with clear transitions, especially when addressing uncomfortable topics.

Final Tips

• Two-Minute Warning:

• Use the last two minutes effectively to cover safety netting, follow-up plans, and provide educational resources.

• Continuous Improvement:

• Engage in practice sessions, seek feedback, and refine your approach to challenging scenarios like smoking cessation counseling.

Conclusion

• Summary: Effective smoking cessation counseling requires a structured approach, focusing on brief but relevant history taking, addressing misconceptions, providing tailored management strategies, and maintaining empathetic and clear communication. Continuously practicing and refining your skills will improve your counseling effectiveness.