[Patients who smoke: should we ignore the addiction or take care of the patient?]

Smoking cessation yields large health gains, especially in times of COVID-19. Compared to measures to stop COVID-19, tobacco control is lagging behind. We studied smoking-cessation-care in the Netherlands, using qualitative interviews with physicians (N=55) and questionnaires among physicians and other healthcare providers (HCPs; N=883) in 2017. Who is responsible for what? Three actors emerged: the patient who smokes (end responsible for quitting), the HCP (quit-advice, counseling or referral) and the government (create a society that stimulates "smoke-free"). Many HCPs do not ask about smoking, nor advise to quit. The task-division is unclear, as smoking causes multiple diseases that are part of multiple disciplines and specializations. HCPs that see smoking as a serious addiction are more inclined to ensure adequate smoking-cessation-care for their patients. Fortunately, there are positive developments as well, both within healthcare as society, and ways in which you can contribute.