Media Release

28 November 2008

New smoking cessation training on its way for New Zealand’s health workforce

Two new training options will be available for the 100,000-plus healthcare workers in New Zealand in the basics of ABC smoking cessation from early 2009.

The National Director of Tobacco Control, Dr Ashley Bloomfield says, “A web-based e-learning tool is being developed as one training approach. Learning specialists Wavelength Ltd are developing an interactive and innovative tool for registered healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and many allied health professionals. “

“The tool will take 20 to 40 minutes to complete, is full of up-to-date information and practical advice, and will be recognised as professional development for GPs and nurses through Continuing Medical Education points. Other professions may follow suit.”

The second approach is a face-to-face training programme to be delivered by District Health Board trainers. It is being developed by a consortium including the National Heart Foundation, Te Hotu Manawa Maori, and Pacific Islands Heartbeat, and will be tailored to the needs of those being trained.

The consortium members will each continue to deliver current, more intensive training programmes in smoking cessation for those needing or wanting more in depth knowledge.

The new training approaches will also be linked to the quit card scheme; enabling healthcare workers to give their patients access to subsidised Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Dr Bloomfield says “Locally, DHBs will play an important role in ensuring that health workers know about the training and can access the type of training that will work for them.

“Healthcare workers are in a unique position to prompt people who smoke to make a quit attempt, and to increase the chances that their quit attempt is successful. The potential of healthcare workers to make a very real difference to the number of people smoking in New Zealand is huge.”

The New Zealand Smoking Cessation Guidelines introduced a new approach for all healthcare workers in meeting the needs of people who smoke.

“Healthcare workers should Ask everyone whether they smoke, give Brief advice to stop smoking, and refer to or provide evidence-based Cessation treatment to those who want to quit. It is as easy as ABC,” Dr Bloomfield says.

For further information, please contact Antony Byers, Senior Communications Advisor 04 816 4359, 021 2417449