The Role of Nurses in the National Tobacco Control Program

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the broad aspects of the National Program of Tobacco Control (NPTC), including its objectives, guidelines and strategies. After the program overall assessment, this study also aims to identify nurse’s role in the elaboration, implementation and evaluation of this program. It was held a documental analysis of the tobacco control program literature, including Ministry of Health guidelines and handbooks and the legal instruments that together constitute the basic elements that determine the tobacco control policies; semi-structured interviews were conducted with the NPTCcoordination staff and the nurses who work in the program. Visits to the NPTC’s center and to two primary health care units where the program is developed were also undertaken. The documental analysis and the interviews indicate that nurses could increase their participation in the program, enhancing the Program’s performance, strengthening its implementation in additional places, increasing attendance in smoking cessation outpatient clinics, and participating in a growing number of training programs. It was observed that nurse professionals who work in this program do not have national guidelines and health care routines established. Therefore, it is necessary to assign specific roles to this professional category and to define health interdisciplinary relationships. Considering the nurse as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team in the program, it is important to identify where and how this professional can work. Thus, it is presented an indicative way of the nurse’s role in the NPTC, aiming to contribute to the orientation and definition of this professional practice.