Can Quit Practice: a comprehensive smoking cessation programme for the general practice team

Aims To develop, implement, and evaluate a programme of training and support for smoking cessation provision in general practice. Methods The Can Quit Practice Programme was developed for delivery in general practices with a particular focus on the skills of the practice nurse (PN) in providing quit support. The Programme utilises the principles of brief intervention by the GP or PN followed by a systematic quit support programme delivered by trained practice nurses (quit advisors). Alternative implementation strategies and the provision of ongoing support and problem solving sessions were integral parts of the Programme. The evaluation used qualitative and quantitative methods to establish quit rates for participants enrolled in the Programme and explore the efficacy of programme delivery. Results The quit rates achieved by 85 smokers (from 14 general practices) enrolled in the Can Quit Practice Programme evaluation were; 25.9% at 3 months; 22.4% at 6 months; and 20.0% at 9 months. Important components of successful implementation were: an autonomous role for PNs; well-managed practice procedures; adequate consultation time; and adequate funding for health promotion. Conclusion Smoking cessation programmes can be successfully implemented and maintained within general practices as an integrated part of primary healthcare.