A randomized controlled trial of smoking cessation in Government out-patient clinics in Hong Kong

A review of the smoking cessation pattern in Hong Kong in 1984–90 reveals that the role of doctors remains static. Only 25% of smokers quit on a doctor’s advice (Lam et al., 1994). Very few facilities such as smoking cessation clinics and self-help materials (e. g. booklets and leaflets) are available, and those which are available are limited and their effectiveness has not been evaluated. In addition, the Government clinics in Hong Kong are extremely busy, so that doctors spend an average of 3–5 min with each patient and often see nearly 100 patients a day.