Authors (including presenting author) :
Ms. Lai FSP, Dr. Tam JH, Ms. Kong MS, Mr. Leung SH, Dr. Ying GCD, Dr. Li WSV, Dr. Li YC, Dr. Ko SH
Affiliation :
Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Kowloon Central Cluster
Introduction :
Introduction
Confronting new trends of tobacco products in our community, smoking cessation remains a significant public health challenge that requires comprehensive and accessible interventions. The Smoking Counselling and Cessation Programme (SCCP) Team strives to provide effective cessation services through promoting smoke-free education to the community, and equipping our frontline staff with the skills and knowledge necessary in handling changing modes of cigarette use.
Methodology :
Methodology:
Reinforcement of the knowledge and skills for staff
Regular meetings had been held for frontline staff to review and examine the current strategies in smoking cessation, and to revise the service framework accordingly. Recognising the needs for the latest knowledge among healthcare providers, the training material for local staff has been revised. Syllabus of the revamped training package now include new topics such as “The impact of novel tobacco agents” and “The harms associated with etomidate and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) misuse”, supplemented with updated educational articles published in the local Family Medicine College newsletters (HKCFP). These efforts aim to equip our medical and nursing staff with the latest knowledge and information needed to better assist patients in their cessation journeys.
Promotion of Smoke Free concept to the community
Providing community education continues to be one of our major efforts. Publicity outreach has been conducted through major local media platforms, among which are “The Hong Kong Economic Journal”, RTHK’s television and radio platforms, Yahoo Hong Kong, and social media channels such as HA Facebook and Instagram. Among the topics covered were the risks associated with traditional and novel tobacco products, the benefits of smoking cessation, practical quit tips, and promotion of the new Telehealth counselling service. These initiatives aim to raise public awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the resources available for smoking cessation. Concurrently, informative pamphlets are distributed to promote smoking cessation during daily clinic activities as part of the chronic disease education.
Result & Outcome :
Conclusion:
Through these concerted efforts, the KCC Department of FM & PHC continues to enhance the effectiveness of its smoking cessation services, aiming to continuously improve our public health outcomes at large.
