An active case finding approach to respiratory long term conditions - screening smokers attending the stop smoking service
Presenter(s)
Wendy Martindale Specialist Stop Smoking Adviser, Stockton and Hartlepool Stop Smoking Service
Abstract
This presentation describes the active case finding approach taken by the Stockton and Hartlepool Stop Smoking Service(SHSSS) to early identification of lung disease.
It is estimated that smoking causes 90% of deaths from lung cancer and 80% of deaths from COPD. Therefore the SSS is a gateway to a population at high risk of developing lung disease and is well placed to screen with a view to early diagnosis.
In both Stockton and Hartlepool early death rates from cancer and COPD are significantly above the England average(Health Profiles 2011).
Since January 2010 the SHSSS has screened smokers for potential lung disease at selected stop smoking ‘drop in’ sessions. Smokers who are not already receiving respiratory treatment and who have three or more symptoms of lung disease, as measured by a screening tool, are offered spirometry testing in addition to stop smoking support. Smokers who complete a spirometry test have their results forwarded to their Gp for diagnosis and further treatment as necessary.
Baseline audit results from the initial 6 month pilot period of the project showed a 31% positive diagnosis of obstruction or restriction among the 67 smokers tested – a very high positive diagnosis rate from a secondary screening test.
Source of funding: North Tees and Hartlepool Foundation Trust
