Call for more training on smoking cessation for mental health nurses
Concerns have been raised that mental health nurses are not receiving adequate training to support patients to quit smoking, despite high rates of smoking among people with poor mental health.
A report published today by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has called for a national plan to implement training on smoking for mental health staff, including nurses and psychiatrists.
“A lack of training during education or within the workplace leaves staff ill-equipped to implement smoking cessation strategies”
Report authors
The call comes in response to concerns reported by staff who felt they were ill-equipped to support their patients.