The commitment of Dr. Fernando Fernández Bueno to the health of patients
Dr. Fernando Fernández Bueno, a renowned oncological surgeon at the Gómez Ulla Central Defence Hospital in Madrid, stands out not only for his extensive experience and reputation in the medical field, but also for his commitment to reducing tobacco harm. As spokesperson for the Platform for the Reduction of Tobacco Harm, Dr. Bueno is one of the main medical voices supporting the harm reduction policy for people who want to quit smoking but find it difficult to do so.
Alternatives for patients with difficulties to quit smoking
Dr. Bueno advocates the use of heated tobacco and electronic cigarettes as alternatives for those patients who have difficulty quitting smoking. These alternatives are especially recommended for patients who cannot stop smoking and cannot take drugs, such as psychiatric patients, those on multiple medications, cancer patients or pregnant women.
Challenges and perspectives in the medical field
Despite the usefulness of these alternatives, seven out of ten doctors oppose their use for patients with difficulties in quitting tobacco. Dr. Bueno attributes this opposition to the lack of information and positive data about these alternatives in the medical sector. He highlights the importance of offering outlets for patients who cannot quit smoking, and points to the need to address this issue more broadly in the medical community.
Harm reduction strategy and its scientific support
Dr. Bueno backs his smoking harm reduction strategy with scientific evidence. He notes that heated tobacco and e-cigarettes are less harmful to health than conventional smoking, with a significant reduction in the amount of carcinogens present in these products. He highlights the importance of informing patients about less harmful alternatives when they cannot quit smoking.
Proposals for the Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Smoking
In the event that the Ministry of Health addresses the demands in this area, Dr. Bueno proposes the incorporation of harm reduction as another tool in the treatment of patients who wish to stop smoking. He highlights the importance of considering this strategy as an integral part of smoking cessation efforts.
Conclusion
Dr. Fernando Fernández Bueno’s commitment to reducing the harm of smoking is evident through his advocacy for less harmful alternatives for patients who face difficulties in quitting smoking. His support for these alternatives is based on scientific evidence and the need to offer solutions to patients who cannot stop smoking, thus contributing to a more comprehensive and effective approach to the treatment of tobacco addiction.
