The Northwestern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre (NWORCC) is establishing the regionÕs first comprehensive, evidence-based smoking cessation program. The Nicotine Dependence Centre (NDC) will be free of charge for NWORCC patients and family members. There will be a fee for the general public. (Northwestern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre PDF Brochure)
The NDC is based on clinical programs in the U.S., where smoking is treated as a chronic condition requiring treatment. Every NWORCC patient who smokes will be identified and provided with a smoking cessation intervention or with a brief intervention to increase their motivation to quit. Tobacco use by NWORCC patients will be documented. The program will involve cessation trained multiple health care providers, and will feature individual assessment, counselling and group session, as well as follow up calls to prevent relapse. Referral from the community will be encouraged. Smokers will be able to self refer to the program. Family physicians will be encouraged to refer to their patients who wish to quit smoking to the NDC.
Who
The Northwestern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre (NWORCC) has considered the need of a smoking cessation program for some time. During the summer of 1994, a chart audit and a needs assessment were conducted at the Centre. The chart audit revealed that 59% of patients seen at the NWORCC smoked at one point in their lives. We also have documented evidence that smoking rates in Northwestern Ontario are higher than the provincial average. In May 2001, interviews were conducted with stakeholders. There was overwhelming support for a smoking cessation program in a clinical setting in Thunder Bay.
Dr. Jim Morris is the Tobacco Treatment Specialist
What
Currently, there is no comprehensive, evidence-based smoking cessation program for the smokers in the region. The NWORCC is establishing the first smoking cessation program in a CCO facility, the Nicotine Dependence Centre (NDC), free of charge for NWORCC patients. There will be a charge for the general public.
How
The Nicotine Dependence Centre will use a "staged" approach, which is based on the smokerÕs readiness to quit. This approach categorizes smokers as being in a precontemplating, contemplating, preparing, acting, or maintaining stage of smoking cessation. Approximately 20% of smokers are usually anticipated at the "action" stage, ready to embark on a smoking cessation program.
The Nicotine Dependence Centre is based on clinical programs in the U.S., where smoking is treated as a chronic condition requiring treatment. With the Nicotine Dependence Centre:
Every NWORCC patient who smokes will be identified and provided with a smoking cessation intervention (if the patient is prepared to quit), or with a brief intervention to increase their motivation to quit (if they are not prepared to quit)
Tobacco use by NWORCC patients will be documented
Smoking cessation programs will involve multiple health care providers, some of which will be trained to provide the intervention
Referral from the community will be encouraged. Smokers will be able to self refer to the program. Family physicians will be encouraged to refer to their patients who wish to quit smoking to the NDC.
Where
The NDC will be located at the NWORCC and will consist of several proven techniques and methods toincrease the quit rate of participants:
The program will be delivered via individual and group counselling
There will be three levels of contact intensity (initial contact to identify smokers within the patient population, brief contact of 3 to 10 minutes, and counselling sessions of 30 minutes to an hour)
Varying levels of durations, from several contacts over 4-6 weeks to follow up contacts for a year, depending on the need of the individual
The program will include a specialized assessment, problem-solving skills, and support within or outside the intervention
When
The NDC has begun its operations in August 2001 and is accepting referrals from the community. For more information, please call (807) 343-1543 or 1-877-696-7223 ext. 1543.
You can find more information about the Nicotine Dependence Centre if you visit the Northwestern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre website and look for the link under Programs and Services.