The VGH Smoking Cessation Clinic: why do we need such a specialist service…?

The VGH Smoking Cessation Clinic is available to both patients and staff who are struggling to quit smoking. The clinic offers an evidence- based approach delivered by a physician or nurse trained in tobacco dependence treatment. Referrals are accepted from throughout the out-patient system but are not mandatory…..clients can self-refer! Simply call 604-875-4800 (and select option 2) to make an appointment.

Our approach

Here are the words of a tobacco treatment specialist from the US advocating for the kind of approach offered at the VGH Smoking Cessation Clinic:

“Many smokers have these internal barriers to quitting  e.g they can do it on their own, “it’s just a bad habit”, etc. There was a study published recently that estimated number of quit attempts at 20, for a typical smoker over 40 (I’m assuming without specialized treatment). Many smokers have no clue how addictive tobacco is.

Clearly, trying to change these internal barriers (cognitive restructuring/motivational interviewing), etc is a huge part of what we do.   However, for biggest impact, we need to change the healthcare system, not just the individual smokers attitude about treatment.

Comprehensive, complete service

Think of an integrated healthcare system, internal medicine/family practice clinics, cardiology, lung, cancer programs. By the 5th or 10th failed quit attempt (“going it alone”), the nurse or physician, etc. firmly walks the smoker over to the VGH Smoking Cessation Clinic which is next door (or down the hall), saying to the patient: “OK, you’ve been at this for over a decade and made some progress, but it’s now time to stop hitting your head  against the wall –  here are the experts, the tobacco treatment specialists, who have  helped hundreds quit permanently  – the service is free, it’s time to see the real expert, trust me.”

The patient learns we will treat them with respect and empathy (in the spirit of “motivational interviewing”) and thereby develops realistic confidence, tools that work, etc. Word of mouth in the community, not to mention within the healthcare system leads to referrals. Real systems changes along with messaging to the individual will lead to the largest of prevalence reductions.

When I have an engine problem with my car, I don’t try to fix it myself. I take it to the expert who has the tools and training to get the job done”.

Booking an appointment

For patient/self referral please call: 604-875-4800 (and select option 2) to make an appointment.