PeRiOperative Tobacco-cEssation in patients undergoing vascular or CardioThOracic suRgery PROTECTOR Study

Tobacco-smoking is the single biggest cause of predictable death worldwide. Patients undergoing vascular and cardiothoracic surgery have a high prevalence of tobacco smoking.
This project aims to investigate current best evidence and practice, alongside the experience and specific needs of patients and clinicians, to optimise tobacco-cessation through:
• A systematic review of perioperative tobacco-cessation interventions
• An analysis of the UK National Vascular Registry (NVR) and National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR) to assess the burden and impact of smoking on perioperative outcomes in the UK vascular and cardiothoracic surgical population
• National surveys of healthcare professionals involved in perioperative care of patients undergoing cardiothoracic or vascular surgery, to assess current practice
• Qualitative interviews with patients who smoke tobacco who are awaiting, or are recovering from cardiothoracic or vascular surgery, and with healthcare professionals who care for patients during this process, and audio-recordings of discussions between patients and professionals
We envisage that this work will inform the development of a tailormade, accessible and acceptable intervention for perioperative tobacco-cessation, the future implementation of which will benefit tens of thousands of patients by providing improved perioperative health and fewer postoperative complications after surgery. The results will be distributed through collaboration with the wider research community.