Newly published research from Cancer Council NSW’s Tackling Tobacco program reveals evidence of an effective organisational change initiative at increasing the offer of quit smoking support, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), to people accessing community mental health organisations.
In a recent randomised trial carried out with mental health organisations delivering community living programs in NSW, the Tackling Tobacco program resulted in a statistically significant increase in staff offers of NRT and the use of NRT among participants living with severe mental illness.
Organisations participating in the program received a financial grant, access to training and resources, and proactive monthly support from Cancer Council NSW to guide implementation of the program. Staff completed training and capacity building activities to build their knowledge, confidence and intentions to provide tailored quit smoking support, including access to free NRT, to participants.
These results are especially positive given that while NRT (including patches, gum, lozenges, mouth spray and inhalators) is recommended as part of gold standard smoking cessation treatment, people living with mental illness often report the cost of NRT as a barrier to access.
“The success of the Tackling Tobacco program shows when given resources and assistance, community mental health organisations are well placed to offer quit smoking support, as they have long-term, trusted relationships with clients, can address smoking holistically in light of clients other needs and can facilitate clients’ access to clinical support as required” shares Dr Laura Twyman, Program Lead for Tobacco Cessation at Cancer Council NSW.