[Optimised outpatient interdisciplinary smoking cessation intervention].

Abstract

Introduction: Our stop smoking counselling clinic at the University Hospital Zurich is based on a concept with various elements that are provided in a longer initial consultation and at least four follow-up consultations within about 3 months. Depending on the medical context, mental state, level of motivation and previous experience of the smoker, the content, intervals and number of sessions required can vary individually. As a rule, repeated counselling is supplemented by medication support, and relatively often by combination medication therapies. The frequency of treatment is high in the first 3 months because the need for support and the risk of relapse are greatest then. Initially, counselling sessions take place every 2 to 4 weeks, then they are extended individually to 6 to 8 weeks. Ideally, counselling should be provided for a period of 6 months. This allows for reliable support over a period of several months and for adjustments to be made to the plan of action if necessary.