We assessed patient experience of care, comparing current and past smokers, and whether frequency of advice to quit smoking impacts patient rating of care.

Experience of care may be a concern for people who smoke and affect their partnership with healthcare providers.

We surveyed adults aged over 35 years who had visited a general practitioner (GP) for health care in the past year (n = 611 current and n = 275 ex-smokers). Questions assessed smoking history, experience of care, anticipation of stigma, and perceptions of smoking cessation advice received in general practice.

Fewer than half (48.8%) of current smokers reported ‘always’ or ‘usually’ being advised to quit smoking, or being advised in a way that motivated them to quit by a GP or other care provider at their GP practice. Current smokers tended to delay or avoid help seeking when needed and experienced more anticipation of stigma in healthcare settings. Conversely, respondents who reported being advised to quit more frequently rated overall quality of care more highly. These data show that asking about smoking and providing advice to quit smoking was acceptable to most respondents and associated with higher ratings of quality of care. However, advice should be provided in a way that motivates patients, without exacerbating the stigma associated with smoking, which may impact help seeking.