Following myocardial infarction, how effective do patients perceive smoking cessation interventions to be in a Scottish hospital setting?

The purpose of this research proposal is to gain an increased understanding of the smoking cessation service provided to patients who smoke post myocardial infarction, which has the potential to lead to improvements in the service. This study aims to develop theory through the exploration of patient's views on the smoking cessation service from those who have successfully abstained from smoking for 3 months post-discharge from hospital. This research will ideally examine the positive aspects of the service and potentially provide valuable information about how it may be improved. Smoking consistently holds its place as a high risk factor for many diseases and poor health implications, thus it is important that the health service addresses the need for constant improvement of the service acting to reduce prevalence of smoking. To be conducted over six months, this qualitative, grounded theory, research aims to recruit up to 8 participants while they are in hospital after experiencing acute myocardial infarction. Those who take the opportunity to take part in the investigation will be interviewed to gain their perspectives, opinions and feelings about their experience using the smoking cessation services. Findings will ideally identify a means to improve the service creating a more efficient system for smoking cessation and improving patient outcomes post myocardial infarction. It is anticipated that this research may gather new and useful information which will inform current practice, improve guidelines and aid patients in their journey to stop smoking.bsc_Nurunpub1425_ethesesunpu