East of England smoking cessation web-based system

Authors and presenters:
Jill Eastment
Systems Facilitator, Public Health Programmes, East of England Strategic Health Authority Cambridge, UK

Liam Cahill
Project Manager, East of England Smoking Cessation Database, Cambridge, UK

Vicki Snelgrove
Commissioner Tobacco Control, Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT, East of England SHA/ NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, Yarmouth, UK

Abstract
A proposal to develop a regional web based database system for smoking cessation services was agreed by Directors of Public Health in the East of England (EoE) in April 2008 in response to DH guidance. (1) Variable local data collection systems and lack of timely data were impeding service delivery and performance.

The system developed by EoE SHA working with NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney commenced live pilot in January 2009 with full take up by the service from June 2009. End-users were involved throughout and quickly adapted to the system. Performance increased 30% with better data management resulting in the PCT achieving year-end target in March. From September 2009 plans for rollout and migration were developed for the rest of the region’s PCTs. Most PCTs will have joined by June 2010.

DH guidance (2) confirms that collection and management of high quality data from Stop Smoking Services is essential. This system delivers that, and more, incorporates client management functionality enabling enhanced follow-up and real ‘ownership’ of data by advisors and provides a cost-effective solution. The scope of the project has broadened with realistic ambition to develop further modules and enable partners to work cooperatively, sharing best practice through a supporting website.

1. Department of Health. NHS Stop Smoking Services,
Service and Monitoring Guidance 2007/08.

2. Department of Health. NHS Stop Smoking Services,
Service and Monitoring Guidance 2010/11.

Source of funding: EoE SHA

Declaration of interest: none