Meeting national tobacco challenges: recommendations for smoking cessation groups.

PURPOSE: To review the literature on model smoking cessation programs and provide an overview of the practice guidelines for intensive smoking cessation groups. DATA SOURCES: Selected evidence-based literature and AHCPR/AHRQ clinical practice guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in our global society and is expected to kill more people than any other disease within 20 years. Data support that most smokers want to quit and are more likely to succeed with a combination of behavioral and pharmacological support. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Smoking cessation must be a priority in the delivery of patient care. Intensive interventions are more effective than brief interventions and should be available for all smokers.