Maintaining high quit rates through delivering a quality service
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Author(s)
Bernie Neeson and Naomi Thompson
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| Presenter(s) |
Bernie Neeson Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, Belfast |
Abstract Cancer Focus Northern Ireland has provided a dedicated Stop Smoking Service funded by the Public Health Agency since 2003. It delivers a quality service to approximately 800 smokers annually across the most deprived wards in Northern Ireland. Since 2008 the service has developed a 'One Stop Shop' support service which includes the provision of Pharmacotherapies along with behavioural support over a 12 week period. This dedicated service is delivered in GP Practices, Workplaces, Schools and Youth Clubs.
Smoking prevalence in Northern Ireland is 25%; however, the prevalence of smoking among unskilled Manual Workers is much higher at 36%.
This service consistently achieves high quit rates:
Overall Service Quit Rates during 2011-2012:
Quit Rate - 4 weeks 65%
Quit Rate - 52 weeks 22% (those who set a quit date during period 2010-2011)
Quit Rates for Workplaces during 2011-2012
Quit Rate - 4 weeks 79%
Quit Rate - 52 weeks: 35% those who set a quit date during period 2010-2011)
Key Factors to the success of Support Service:
Flexibility: Tailor support to individual or organisations’ needs
Accessibility: Offer full support to include pharmacotherapy and specialist behavioural support.
Sustainability Communicate rationale to encourage decision- makers/management to buy into the service.
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Presenter biography Bernie was a former smoker who quit 13 years ago and became a volunteer supporting smokers to give up. She since trained as a Smoking Cessation Specialist and studied Health Promotion with the University of Ulster and has worked in the field for past 10 years. She also trained as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and works part time with patients suffering with Depression and Anxiety in primary care settings.
Naomi who was a former nurse has worked with Cancer Focus Northern Ireland for past 12 years. As well as providing Smoking Cessation training she also manages the Smoking Cessation Service.
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Source of funding: Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland)
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Declaration of interest: None
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