Developing an effective stop smoking programme in prison
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Author(s)
Julie Clarkson and Sandra Davis
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| Presenter(s) |
Julie Clarkson Stop Smoking Specialist, Leeds Community Healthcare, Chapeltown Health Centre, Leeds |
Abstract Aim: To describe the experience of developing a smoking cessation programme in a prison setting and how barriers have been overcome.
Demand for stop smoking support in prisons is high, partially as it's offered to new prisoners on admission.
Around 80% of prisoners smoke (Department of Health, 2012), which was reflected in a high waiting list of up to one year for support at Wealstun prison, Wetherby.. Having run a smoking cessation group programme for some time within Wealstun prison, we became aware that the model used within the community setting was not conducive to the one within the prison setting with the unique challenges this client group present.
Throughout Summer 2014 as part of PPI (patient public involvement) we consulted with prisoners and staff to develop a cessation programme fit for purpose.
Based on consultations we have increased the amount of weekly sessions and have adapted the cessation programme by developing new resources, rewards for prisoners and maximising the capacity for support. The tool we adapted was based on a concept shared at a nationwide prison networking group.
A significant drop in the waiting lists reflects the success of this approach.
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Presenter biography I have been delivering stop smoking sessions for quite a few years within prisons.. Armley prison for approx 3 years, changing the programme from group sessions to a drop in to reduce the waiting time. Wealstun for just over a year and have increased the session there from half a day to a full day to again try to reduce the waiting time for prisoners..We are part of a nationwide prison network group and try to meet up in different areas every few months to discuss whats happening within other prisons around the country
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Source of funding: Healthy Living Services
Leeds Community Healthcare
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Declaration of interest: None
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