Authors (including presenting author) :
Liu KN (1), Kwan PS (2), Tong WH (3)
Affiliation :
(1)M&G, POH (2) Smoking Cessation Program, POH (3)M&G, TSWH
Introduction :
Tobacco smoking has been recognized as a major cause of COPD and involved 40%-70% of the COPD mortality globally. Both hospital and Non-Government Organization (NGO) were committed to promote smoke-free generation. However, it is still a major challenge to secure patient transit from hospital to community service.
Objectives :
An approximate 15% of attendances at the IMSN COPD Clinic are current smokers at Pok Oi Hospital (POH). Smoking cessation counselling and community service referral will be offered during visit. The successful referral rate remains unremarkable despite proactive promotion as patient’s initiative to access community services remain doubtful.
In Jan 2024, the POH Smoking Cessation Program (SCP) funded by the Department of Health set up a booth at POH AED offering one-stop smoking cessation counselling and nicotine replacement therapy to the public. SCP Nurse will arrange regular follow-up to smoker for 1 year. On the other hand, two SCP Centers located in NTWC cluster also provide convenience access for counselling service.
Methodology :
A logistic was established in April 2024 to take a step forward on counselling service transition from hospital to community. Patient from IMSN clinic will be assessed for quitting willingness and referred to SCP immediately after visit. SCP staff will accompany the referee to the booth for registration and counselling to promote seamless transition. This could guarantee patients to reach the SCP service and enhance the support in smoking cessation journey. A synergy effect is created based on the cross-over follow up schedules in IMSN clinic and SCP to ensure all-rounded support in both short- and long-term.
Result & Outcome :
By December 2024, a total of 22 patients agreed for SCP referral. A 100% success referral was reached with the 26-week quit rate has achieved 32 % among all referrals. Rest of the patients also showed a reduction on tobacco consumption. The SCP service has extended to Tin Shui Wai Hospital in Q3 2024. The logistic has facilitated the target group to achieve smoke free goal and improved health status.
