NICE urges rethink on smoking cessation

A sea-change in the traditional mindset of smoking cessation has been mootedby NICE in a radical new guidance. The body’s recommended approach €“ termed tobacco harm reduction €“ views a switch from smoking to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as a valid clinical endpoint, rather than only a step towards quitting. The new recommendation recognises that many smokers may not be able to quit in one step, and the long-term use of medical nicotine is a significantly safer option for both smokers and the people around them. Although studies suggest that 33% of GPs believe nicotine is either more than or