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Abstract

The current portfolio is presented in support of the post-chartered “Top-up” Doctorate in Psychology degree. This portfolio comprises of 3 parts; Part 1 - a research project looking at the efficacy of a combination treatment regimen for smokers (which will be referred to throughout the portfolio as the thesis), Part 2 - a systematic review looking at the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in acute care and Part 3 - two case studies reflecting my professional practice which looks at the current clinician and patient perspective of using a combination of treatments in smoking cessation and a reflection on conducting research in an academic setting.

Part 1 describes a randomised placebo controlled trial; designed to answer the principal question of whether using a combination of varenicline and nicotine patches reduces post-quitting urges to smoke more than varenicline alone. The study found no difference in post quitting urges between the active and placebo patch groups.

Part 2 is a systematic review that was commissioned by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) to review the available evidence concerning the efficacy of different types of smoking cessation interventions in acute care settings. Results from a meta-analysis showed that for interventions with hospital patients to be effective, an extended period of support and stop smoking medication provided for over 4 weeks after discharge is recommended.

Finally, part 3 is a series of case studies looking at current clinician practice in prescribing combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in UK stop smoking services (UK-SSS); a patient perspective of using combination NRT and varenicline and a reflection on my current clinical practice which gives some insight into my day-to-day role as a practicing health psychologist.

These parts are independent of one another but all reflect practice in the field of smoking cessation.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Departments:	Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses School of Health & Psychological Sciences

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