Vital sign, or none of our business?
For the first time in the history of the NHS, the Department of Health has issued guidelines for a national smoking cessation policy in England. The recommendations include guidance to all health commissioners on the introduction of 'systems to maintain an up to date record of the smoking status of all patients in their notes. It should be regarded as a vital sign.'
Parker
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British Dental Journal, 64 Wimpole Street, London W1M 8AL.
D003792:Dental Records; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D013218:State Dentistry