Offering lung health checks to motivate smokers to access stop smoking services

Authors and presenters:
Irene Houghton
Lung Health Check Project Manager, NHS Blackpool, UK

Jane Roberts
Head of Tobacco Control, NHS Blackpool, UK

Abstract
Blackpool has the lowest life expectancy for men in England. People in Blackpool also spend a smaller proportion of their lifespan in good health and without disability. Smoking related diseases account for at least half of the health inequalities. Several wards have some of the highest smoking prevalence rates in the country. Smoking in entrenched is the disadvantaged groups to the point where it is completely the cultural norm. This project aims to harness the curiosity about and popularity of lung health checks and lung age to attract and motivate smokers who currently are not contemplating quitting. Full spirometry assessment and lung age were offered in workplaces by an experienced respiratory physiologist in partnership with an equally experienced stop smoking adviser. A personalised explanation delivered in non-clinical language and instant access to an adviser appears to act as a powerful motivational tool and has had a significant impact on recruitment to stop smoking services. A sample audit of 111 smokers who had the lung health check showed that 49% subsequently accepted help from the adviser and went on to set a quit date. This compares with 13% from face-to-face activity in the North West.

Source of funding: NHS Blackpool

Declaration of interest: none

About the presenters
Irene Houghton is a chief MTO in respiratory physiology with 30 years experience of spirometry both in the Acute and Community settings. In 2009, Irene was commissioned to devise and deliver the Lung Health Check project for Blackpool workplaces.

Jane Roberts is Head of Tobacco Control for NHS Blackpool and has 15 years of experience in the tobacco field from smoking cessation adviser to her current position commissioning services.