OBJECTIVE: To obtain an accurate estimate of smoking prevalence and smoking cessation support practices, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units (ICUs).
DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional, observational study using data obtained from adult ICUs participating in the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group Point Prevalence Program in 2016.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence and intensity of current smoking, baseline characteristics of smokers in comparison with non-smokers and frequency of NRT use while admitted to the ICU.
RESULTS: Smoking data were present for 551 of 671 adult ICU patients from 47 ICUs on 2 study days in 2016. Of these 551 patients, 112 were current smokers (20.3%; 95% CI, 17.0-23.9%). No significant differences in severity of illness or mortality were observed between smokers and non-smokers. NRT was prescribed to 30/112 smokers (26.8%), and in 28 of those 30 patients (93%) it was administered via nicotine patch alone. Routine prescribing of NRT was practised in 28/47 ICUs (60%), and 24/47 ICUs (51%) had formal protocols or guidelines in place related to supporting smoking cessation.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of smoking in Australian and New Zealand ICUs patients is high. Over half of participating ICUs reported the routine prescription of NRT despite uncertainty regarding the practice. Further research evaluating the safety and efficacy of NRT is required.
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