Perceptions of senior nursing staff about current action, barriers and solutions to working on active and passive smoking in the Liverpool health sector

Nurses, particularly those working in antenatal, maternity and paediatrics, can greatly assist their patients to reduce the harms associated with tobacco use. Senior nursing staff from the Division of Women's and Child's Health, and Primary Health in the Liverpool Health Service were surveyed to identify action currently taken with patients, on active and passive smoking. The survey showed that there was an emphasis on assessment and education. Barriers that hindered staff action included the lack of resources, particularly for people of non-English speaking background (NESB), and training. This research also suggests the need for policy development as a way to achieve consistency and maintenance of action.