Very Brief Advice (VBA)

VBA is a quick, 30-second intervention that any healthcare professional can deliver.

It involves asking about smoking status, offering advice on effective ways to quit, and supporting access to evidence-based stop smoking services.

The Very Brief Advice (VBA) video provides localised information to provide professionals with a greater understanding of the impacts of smoking, why people smoke, the benefits of quitting, and how to engage in conversations about smoking using VBA.

Need Support or Training?

Some professionals might feel hesitant to discuss smoking, viewing it as a personal choice. However, smoking is an addiction that often starts in childhood. People expect health and social care professionals to inquire about their smoking status.

The National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) offers free Very Brief Advice training which can increase confidence in these conversations.

Completing this training will enable professionals to Ask about smoking status, Advise on the most effective way to stop smoking and Act by making a referral.

Making a referral

If you are supporting someone who would like to stop smoking, please refer them to their local stop smoking service. Some Trusts or organisations have their own established processes for referring people for stop smoking support - please use those if your organisation has them.

If your organisation does not have a process for referring someone for stop smoking support, please visit our referrals page to find out more.