Kick the Habit with Consumer- Centred Tobacco Management

Other resource • Vicki Langan • Whitney Lee

Abstract

Author(s)

Vicki Langan, Whitney Lee

The aim of the report was to summaries the evidence gathered via evaluations while implementing the ‘Kick the Habit’ Program. Neami utilised a student of public health from the university of Sydney to conduct the evaluation.

The Tobacco Management project, “Kick the Habit”, is a multi-component program that was developed by Neami’s Health Promotion team in response to the high rates of smoking in people living with a mental illness. The program is a combination of one-to-one coaching support alongside the use of NRT products, as evidence found that the golden standard for tobacco management is pharmacotherapy in combination with behavioural support. One to one coaching support is offered in order to develop a personalised and tailored smoking management plan for each consumer based on individualised goals for reducing or quitting smoking. Support is given to initiate conversation and build relationships between consumers and their pharmacists, to utilize NRT products so that nicotine withdrawal symptoms are reduced, and mental health symptoms are monitored.

Though smoking rates have declined in the general population due to successful public health strategies, smoking rates remain unchanged in people living with a SMI. These strategies have in fact further disadvantaged vulnerable populations, such as creating further socialisation and taxes have increased financial vulnerability.

Evidence demonstrates that general smoking cessation programs are ineffective in people living with SMI, hence the urgency to co-design a tobacco management program tailored to this population. Notable outcomes from the report found that 100% of consumers had attempted to stop smoking previously, with 86% of consumers reporting that they reduced tobacco use as a result of participating.

80% of participants suggested that the program should go on for a much longer time. This recommendation and others have been implemented in order to ensure that consumers receive appropriate and effective services.