ABC/QUIT CARDS

All nurses are encouraged to undertake ABC smoking cessation training.  Once completed this means that nurses can become Quit Card providers.  These cards can be given to patients/clients who can redeem them at their local pharmacy for free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

	In August 2007 the New Zealand Smoking Cessation Guidelines were published structured around a memory aid – ABC.   ABC is a simple and easy tool that all nurses can use to guide their action. ABC prompts you to Ask about smoking status, to give Brief advice to all smokers to stop smoking and to provide evidence-based Cessation support for those who wish to stop smoking.

Training in ABC is available on a face-to-face basis from the Heart Foundation or by accessing www.smokingcessationabc.org.nz and spending 40 minutes working your way through the online module. 

Hone your conversation openers by referring to the materials here from Hayden McRobbie and Jennifer Percival.

Ministry of Health information sheets are available which cover special interests:

Key Messages for Emergency Departments

Key Messages for Mental Health

Key Messages for Maternity Services

Key Messages for Cancer Services

Key Messages for Frontline Health Care Workers

Key Messages for Surgical Care

Completion of your ABC training means that you can become a Quit Card provider.  This enables a recipient – who may be your patient/client, their whanau or caregiver - to go to their pharmacist and receive up to 12 weeks supply of subsidised NRT for $3/item.  Further information on Quit Cards and their use can be found here. 

• Quit Cards Provider Criteria

• Advice to nurses on becoming a Quit Cards Provider

• Guide to NRT Assessment for Quit Cards Providers

For additional supplies of Quit Cards apply here.