Pennine GP Alliance’s Stop Smoking Service is proactively reaching people across Calderdale who could benefit from support to quit smoking, alongside referrals from GP practices.
Around 60% of people supported by the service are proactively identified and offered support, with the remaining 40% coming through referrals from GPs, healthcare assistants and nurses via a task template system.
While this proactive approach has been an established part of the service, PGPA is now highlighting how it is helping the team reach people who may be less likely to seek stop smoking support themselves.
Around 30 patients are typically contacted at a time by text, with information about the support available and a simple way to respond if they are interested. Those who respond can arrange a face-to-face or telephone appointment, while the team follows up by telephone where there is no response.
For the past 18 months, proactive outreach has focused particularly on working-age patients with anxiety or depression and people with asthma. The service has recently expanded this to include people living with COPD, particularly those who have received a diagnosis within the previous month, providing an opportunity for timely stop smoking support.
New treatment option
The service has also recently introduced cytisinicline, a newer stop smoking medication which offers another option for people who want to quit quickly.
The 25-day course starts with a higher dose which gradually reduces. Cytisinicline works on the same nicotine receptors in the brain, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while reducing the rewarding effects of nicotine.
This sits alongside other stop smoking treatments available through the service, including nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, bupropion and vaping support.
All patients receive a 12-week behavioural intervention alongside their chosen treatment, with personalised support to help them manage cravings, understand triggers and stay smoke-free.
Stop smoking support across Calderdale
PGPA now has two specialist Stop Smoking Practitioners providing support across the whole of Calderdale, making it possible to offer both proactive and referral-based support across all areas.
By combining proactive outreach with personalised behavioural support and a range of treatment options, the service aims to reach more people and provide support at a time when it can make the greatest difference.
Find out more
Find out more about PGPA’s Stop Smoking Service, including how patients are responding here.