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Poster presentation
Evening smoking cessation drop in clinics (aimed
at smokers on low incomes)
Kate Johnstone
Abstract
The aim of the service is to reduce the prevalence of
smoking related deaths or disability in low income smokers.
The clinics are designed to attract low-income smokers
and provide free NRT, combined with motivational support,
for 4 weeks. Follow-on NRT is obtained by prescription
from their GP. As the smoking cessation clinics are targeted
at smokers on low incomes they are designed to be as welcoming
and 'hassle' free as possible. The clinics are self referral,
don't need an appointment and you just 'drop in.'
The service operates from 5.30 to 7.30pm one evening
per week in each of three Health Centres. As of March
2004, the service employs 9 staff who do this work in
addition to their substantive posts. The clinics are staffed
by professionals from primary care who have received training
in running smoking cessation clinics and offer one-to-one
or group sessions. Those smokers motivated to quit attend
weekly for 4 weeks and, if suitable, are given 4 weeks
of free NRT patches or gum, and a letter is sent to their
GP for follow-on NRT after this.
In its first year [2002] 800 people attended and numbers
of attendees have risen year on year. Advertising is unnecessary
as information on the clinics has spread by word of mouth.
Results from the audit of 2002 - 3 demonstrated that:
- 69% of clinic attendees had stopped smoking at 4 weeks
(verified by co monitor reading).
- 75% of clinic attendees were eligible for free prescriptions.
- 27% of responders indicated that they had not smoked
since attending the clinics (a period greater than 6
months).
- 89% of responders used NRT.
- Those successful were more likely to have attended
their
GP for continued treatment and support.
- 36% of clients attended for more than the 4 weeks,
using the NRT prescription from their GP.
- Clients rated highly the support received from qualified
staff, as well as the importance of free NRT and the
evening
time slots of the clinics. Timing of the clinics was
important
to the responders 63% of whom were employed. Given that
75% were eligible for free prescriptions it can be assumed
that these 63% were on low incomes.
Kate Johnstone
Health Promotion Department,
9 Gladstone Place,
Stirling FK8 2AH
Tel: 01786 463031
kate.johnstone@fvhb.scot.nhs.uk
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