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Update on the National Smokers Quitline and Tobacco Control in Ireland. Brenda Flannery Norma Cronin 6 th May 2010. National Smokers Quitline. First established by the Irish Cancer Society in 1999 Re-launched in 2003
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Update on the National Smokers Quitline and Tobacco Control in Ireland Brenda Flannery Norma Cronin 6th May 2010
National Smokers Quitline • First established by the Irish Cancer Society in 1999 • Re-launched in 2003 • Funded by the Health Services Executive and managed by the Irish Cancer Society
National Smoker’s Quitline • Staffed by trained smoking cessation advisors at a call centre provider • Advisors provide reactive support to callers • Monday – Saturday from 08:00 – 22:00hrs • Counsellors available for reactive and proactive support Monday 09:00 – 19:00hrs Tuesday – Thursday 09:00 – 17:00hrs
Advisor’s Role • Provide reactive service • Advice and support to caller • Send out a Quitting booklet • Transfer call live to a counsellor or arrange a call-back from a counsellor • Refer to GP or Pharmacist when appropriate. • Refer to Smoking Cessation Facilitators in their local Health Board areas for one-to-one support and smoking cessation courses.
Protocol for Advisors The caller is assessed based on Prochaska& Di Clemente stages of change model • Assessment of nicotine dependency • Stage specific intervention is made by the advisor • Quitting methods are discussed • Smoking cessation information is sent to callers • All calls are registered outlining callers smoking profile
Counsellors’ Role • Offer advice and support to those in the quitting process and referral to local Health Service Executive services. • Quitline counselling protocol • Follow on support once a caller has quit with - 4 calls over the first 6 weeks - One call at three months - One call at six months - One call at one year
Call Volume • 2004 23,000 people called Quitline • 2009 6,000 calls were received
6 Month Evaluation of Quitline • Conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of Irish Cancer Society and Health Promotion Unit, Dept of Health • Six months from Nov 03 to Apr 04 • Almost 7,000 (33%) quit • 72% has attempted to quit on at least one occasion • Average period off cigarettes is around 21 weeks
1 Year Evaluation of Quitline • 4,350 people (22%) had achieved ultimate success (had not had a cigarette for one year) • 60% of those who quit say the Quitline was either a significant or an important aspect of helping them stay off
Progress in Legislation • Legislation removing point of sale advertising and display of tobacco products at retail outlets and licensed premises came into effect on 1st July 2009 • Research carried out by OTC in late 2009 showed that 98% of stores are compliant with the legislation prohibiting tobacco advertising and 97% are compliant with the legislation regarding the display of cigarettes for sale in-store • A National Register of Tobacco Retailers for persons selling tobacco products came into effect on 1st July 2009
Progress on Legislation • Smoke-free workplaces continue to enjoy widespread support and compliance • National Tobacco Retail Audit - 2009 Monitoring report showed that the % of retailers refusing to sell cigarettes to under 18 year olds has increased by 8 points to 68%. This compares to a 60% refusal rate in 2008 and 52% in 2007 • First voluntary smoke free stadium GAA match was held as part of the Ulster GAA championship. The event was a success demonstrating strong public support for the measure
