ABSTRACT
Evidence-based medicine was coined as a buzz phrase in the early 1990s. It has increased our awareness of research studies and improved our knowledge base within the profession as a whole. Guidelines need to be produced in an evidence-based way that acknowledges limitations such as resources, staffing and the local population for whom the guidelines are intended. They are thought of as a simple way to get evidence out into practice, improving quality of care in an equitable way. Standards will be set by national institute for health and clinical excellence and national service frameworks, delivered by clinical governance and underpinned by self-regulation and lifelong learning. Performance will be assessed through a small number of national milestones and high-level performance indicators. Behavioural therapies are important in smoking cessation, pharmacological therapies are also used as first-line therapies.
