NICE issues draft public health guidance on smoking cessation services.

NICE issues draft public health guidance on smoking cessation services.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance on smoking cessation services, intended for NHS and non-NHS professionals who have a direct or indirect role in smoking cessation services. The interventions discussed include pharmacotherapies, individual behavioural counselling, group behaviour therapy, brief interventions, telephone counselling and quitlines, and self-help material.

When finalised, this guidance will supersede and replace NICE technology appraisal 39: ‘Guidance on the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and bupropion for smoking cessation’. It cross- references and is consistent with ‘Brief interventions and referral for smoking cessation in primary care and other settings’ (NICE public health intervention guidance 1) and ‘Workplace interventions to promote smoking cessation’ (public health intervention guidance 5).

The closing date for comments is 8th June 2007, and the next Programme Development Group meeting will be held on 6th June 2007.

The draft guidance is available from the NICE website here.