[Smoking cessation in general practice].

In May 1995 73% of a random sample of 1000 Danish general practitioners (GPs) participated in a survey by anonymously filling in a mailed questionnaire concerning their smoking counselling practice and attitudes to smoking prevention. Among the participating GPs, there were 65% who every week had contact with one or more patients, who wished to quit smoking. Earlier smoking cessation practices such as giving information about the health consequences of smoking were often used. However, few GPs' advice included helping patients set quit dates or making follow-up appointments and most GPs did not think these two techniques effective. More than 90% of GPs reported that they brought up the subject of smoking if their patient were pregnant or had a smoking-related disease. In order to improve smoking counselling in general practice it is suggested that Danish GPs are introduced to the newest recommended smoking cessation programmes.