Inequalities in Smoking Seminars

Project SCeTCH is the first large-scale multi-centre randomised controlled trial comparing an e-cigarette intervention to usual care to address smoking among people experiencing homelessness.  This presentation will share findings from this NIHR funded trial involving 32 homeless support centres (477 people who smoked) across Great Britain, and the training of 220 staff to deliver smoking interventions (an e-cigarette starter pack or VBA+ and signposting to the SSS).  Participants were followed up at 4, 12 and 24 weeks and a subsample of staff and participants were interviewed about their experiences with the e-cigarette intervention.  Retention rates were good: 74%, 60% and 58% (at 4, 12 and 24 weeks respectively). Sustained quit rates (CO validated) were low but e-cigarettes helped more people quit smoking in the short-term or substantially reduce the number of cigarettes they smoked. How the intervention produced changes in smoking behaviour through facilitators and barriers in capability, opportunity and motivation (COM-B) and further real-world relevance of the trial will be discussed.

This presentation will look at how the North East North Cumbria adopted a system wide approach to improving access and enhancing the experience for individuals living with severe mental illness accessing smoking cessation services. In particular, there will be a focus on the lessons learnt including the importance of person centred & flexible approaches which helped to change historical commissioning practices and challenge services to ensure no one is left behind. 

This presentation will focus on how Sheffield amended their model and re-commissioned the Smokefree Sheffield Service to ensure it was fit for purpose in 2022 in line with the changing landscape of vapes, harm reduction, the cost-of-living crisis and new NICE guidance (2021).

The presentation will cover how we embedded the new approach of Quit, Switch and Cut Down across the system. Making the service more attractive and accessible to effectively reach priority groups and underserved communities. With increased engagement from key partners including, primary care, VCF sector and a focus on mental health services, housing and substance misuse services.