Professor Simon Gilbody Professor of Psychological Medicine, Mental Health & Addictions Research Group (MHARG), University of York
Abstract
Life expectancy amongst people with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is reduced by around 20-25 years. Smoking is the single most important modifiable risk factor for early death and poor health. Smoking rates are three times higher than for the general population and there is a potential to address this health inequality via effective and efficient smoking cessation strategies.
Prof Simon Gilbody has produced systematic reviews of ‘what works’ for those with SMI and these led to the first UK trial of a bespoke smoking cessation intervention. The SCIMITAR trial has delivered encouraging results, but a much larger UK trial is now underway.
Prof Gilbody will give an overview of the issues raised by this trial and how NHS smoking cessation services can help people with SMI to quit smoking.
Source of funding: NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme
