An evaluation of the range and availability of intensive smoking cessation services in Ireland.
BACKGROUND
A review of smoking cessation (SC) services in Ireland is a necessary step in improving service planning and provision.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the range and availability of intensive SC services in Ireland in 2006.


METHODS
A survey of SC service providers in Ireland was conducted. Descriptive analysis and simple linear regression analysis was used.


RESULTS
Response rate was 86.3% (63/73). All service providers surveyed are employing evidence-based interventions; the most common form of support is individual counselling with initial sessions averaging 40 min and weekly review sessions 20 min in duration. Reaching the recommended target of treating 5.0% of smokers does not seem feasible given the current distribution of resources and there appears to be regional differences in resource allocation.


CONCLUSIONS
While intensive SC services are available in all four Health Service Executive Areas, it would appear that there is little uniformity or consistency countrywide in the scope and structure of these services.
Currie
L M
LM
Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society, The Digital Depot, Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland. lcurrie@tri.ie
Keogan
S
S
Campbell
P
P
Gunning
M
M
Kabir
Z
Z
Clancy
L
L
D019352:Censuses; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016014:Linear Models; D015233:Models, Statistical; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015980:Public Health Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D040241:Social Marketing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires