Opportunistic Non-Governmental Organisation Delivery of a Virtual Stop Smoking Service in England during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

Smoking cessation services have rapidly transformed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes include pivoting from face-to-face to telephone and video call support, remote provision of stop smoking aids and more flexible appointments. This study reports an evaluation of a charity-led smoking cessation service rapidly conceived and launched in this context. The pilot service accepted self-referrals in Yorkshire, England from 20 May 2020 to 5 June 2020. A dedicated smoking cessation practitioner provided 12 weeks of weekly behavioural support over telephone or video call. NRT and/or medication and/or e-cigarettes were posted to the participant bi-weekly for up to 12 weeks. Written and telephone evaluation questionnaires were administered post-programme. Of 79 participants, 57 (72.2%) self-reported a 4-week quit and 51 (64.6%) self-reported a 12-week quit. Those concurrently using e-cigarettes and NRT had an 84.1% 12-week quit rate. The majority of participants chose to use e-cigarettes and NRT in combination (55.7%). 39 participants completed an evaluation form, with at least 90% recording they were “very satisfied” with each service component. 27 participants completed a telephone interview, reporting a relationship with practitioners, as well as convenience, and organisational reputation as service strengths. Virtual services can be set up quickly and effectively in response to demand. Quit rates were highest for those concurrently using e-cigarettes and NRT. Service users value flexibility and convenience of remote support and posting of quit aids.

Reintroducing face-to-face support alongside remote support to form a hybrid stop smoking service in England: a formative mixed methods evaluation

“…The findings of our study add to the evidence showing high levels of acceptability around remote [ 15 , 61 , 62 ] and flexible mixed provision [ 23 ], and shows the potential of hybrid treatment options for people trying to stop smoking [ 16 , 23 ]. Our study illustrates how the establishment of hybrid support can provide an opportunity for services to assess which types of users in their local populations might benefit from remote, face-to-face or mixed options, as well as to direct their approaches and resources accordingly.…”

“…Personal contact, perceived connection and interpersonal relations between service users and providers have consistently been noted as important in engagement and treatment adherence [ 15 , 16 , 39 ] and in supporting, encouraging and motivating health-promoting behaviours [ 20 , 40 ]. Remote provision was noted as beneficial in engaging priority groups by removing barriers around engagement, such as stigma, and fear of judgement [ 41 ], which can facilitate openness during sessions [ 42 ].…”

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on the provision of face-to-face support [ 15 ] resulted in CSSS moving to “remote” delivery models, i.e. online and phone-based provision [ 16 – 18 ].…”

Experts’ views on translating NHS support to stop smoking in pregnancy into a comprehensive digital intervention

“…ensuring it is provided in line with NICE guidelines and local protocols). There has been much learning around the remote provision of NRT during the COVID pandemic and outside of pregnancy there is evidence that suggests smokers prefer quit aids to be directly posted to them [ 58 ]. What is not known, however, is how effective a decision support tool for nicotine product choice might be.…”