Regional Approach to Tobacco Cessation

Introduction:

The Partnership for a Tobacco Free Northeast PA's mission is to improve the quality of life in our communities by reducing tobacco use. A review of cessation resources in the 10 county Northeast PA Health District, served by the Partnership, identified a need for comprehensive standardized tobacco treatment for all modalities, e.g., individual and group.

Key Points:

Based on the ATTUD Core Competencies and CDC's Best Practices, protocols were developed for client assessment intake, nicotine replacement therapy and client nicotine replacement therapy use. The professional trainer, who is a certified tobacco treatment specialist, provided The Tobacco Dependence Treatment training to all treatment providers. This training is based in part on the certification program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Benefits:

Standards were implemented to ensure that all tobacco users enrolled in treatment received the same high quality comprehensive service, providing the best opportunity to assist them in their quit attempt.

Conclusion:

The counselors now use a standardized client intake form for group and individual counseling to assist with the development of a quit plan and now feel more competent to offer both forms of treatment.