title: Smoking cessation dialogue and the complementary therapist: reluctance to engage?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Our aim was to explore the experiences and views of complementary therapists (CT) regarding smoking cessation (SC) support within the oncology setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two oncology sites participated in the North West of England. Three focus groups were conducted (n = 19) with resulting transcripts thematically analysed. Demographic data was collected via a short questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reasons were given for reluctance to engage in SC support, these included; fear of comprising the therapeutic relationship, patient's poor motivation and/or those living with life limiting disease. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) advice was regarded as a 'medical' activity. There was evidence of smoker-related stigmatisation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provided insights in how complementary therapists view a potential SC role. Research is needed to determine whether the findings are common to other areas of CT practice. Further training in SC support is suggested for those working in oncology settings.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, Psychology & Public Health, Salford University, UK; Complementary Health & Wellbeing Services, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Tomlinson
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lynne
authors.affiliation: Complementary Health & Wellbeing Services, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Metropolitan University of Manchester, UK. Electronic address: peter.mackereth@christie.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Mackereth
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Complementary therapists; Focus groups; Smoking cessation; Stigma