The study by Russell et al. (1979) evaluated the effectiveness of general practitioners (GPs) in advising cigarette smokers to quit. The study involved 2138 smokers from five group practices in London, divided into four groups: non-intervention controls, questionnaire-only controls, those advised to quit by their GP, and those advised to quit with a leaflet and follow-up warning. Data from 1884 patients at one month and 1567 at one year were analyzed. The results showed that immediate changes in motivation and intention to quit were evident after advice, with most quitters attributing their success to the GP's advice. The effect was strongest in the first month but persisted for three months, enhanced by the leaflet and follow-up warning. Long-term success rates were significantly higher in the advice groups, with 5.1% of patients in the advice group still not smoking after one year compared to 0.3% in the control group. The study suggests that GPs could achieve about 25 long-term successes annually, potentially reaching half a million ex-smokers if all UK GPs adopted this approach. The findings highlight the potential of GPs in collectively addressing smoking cessation, which could be more effective than specialized withdrawal clinics.The study by Russell et al. (1979) evaluated the effectiveness of general practitioners (GPs) in advising cigarette smokers to quit. The study involved 2138 smokers from five group practices in London, divided into four groups: non-intervention controls, questionnaire-only controls, those advised to quit by their GP, and those advised to quit with a leaflet and follow-up warning. Data from 1884 patients at one month and 1567 at one year were analyzed. The results showed that immediate changes in motivation and intention to quit were evident after advice, with most quitters attributing their success to the GP's advice. The effect was strongest in the first month but persisted for three months, enhanced by the leaflet and follow-up warning. Long-term success rates were significantly higher in the advice groups, with 5.1% of patients in the advice group still not smoking after one year compared to 0.3% in the control group. The study suggests that GPs could achieve about 25 long-term successes annually, potentially reaching half a million ex-smokers if all UK GPs adopted this approach. The findings highlight the potential of GPs in collectively addressing smoking cessation, which could be more effective than specialized withdrawal clinics.