SmokeCheck
About SmokeCheck | SmokeCheck Phase 1 | SmokeCheck Phase 2 | SmokeCheck brief intervention smoking cessation training workshops | Workshop Curriculum | SmokeCheck's training program | SmokeCheck resources | SmokeCheck Workshop Schedule 2010About SmokeCheck
The NSW SmokeCheck Project focuses on building the capacity of Aboriginal health workers and other health workers who work with Aboriginal communities in NSW, in the delivery of evidence-based best practice brief smoking cessation intervention. The Project is funded by the NSW Department of Health and the Cancer Institute (NSW). The Project was launched in August 2007 and is administered through the Sydney School of Public Health at The University of Sydney.
SmokeCheck training in Sydney, October 2009
SmokeCheck Phase 1
The SmokeCheck Project Phase 1 was implemented in 2007-2008 with a primary focus on the provision of smoking cessation brief intervention training workshops across NSW. Since the launch in 2007 more than 860 health workers have attended the training program. Of the total participants trained, 48 per cent are Aboriginal and 36 per cent are Aboriginal health workers.
The Project Phase 1 evaluation report shows significant improvements and positive outcomes in the intervention groups who participated in the SmokeCheck training workshops. The report indicates that the SmokeCheck training workshops have increased:
- The capacity of health professionals with a primary responsibility for the health care of Aboriginal communities to work more frequently with community members.
- Health professionals' confidence to talk with Aboriginal clients about smoking, the health effects of tobacco use, to assess clients' readiness to quit, and to offer advice about appropriate strategies to support a quit attempt and to reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
Building on the achievements of Phase 1, the SmokeCheck Project is now undertaking expanded strategies through the development and implementation of Phase 2.
A group discussion among workshop participants and trainer
SmokeCheck Phase 2
The SmokeCheck Project Phase 2 (2009-2011) focuses on strategies that encourage and support health services and staff to integrate smoking cessation brief interventions into routine service delivery to Aboriginal people. The Project will also continue its commitment to build and strengthen workforce capacity to deliver evidence-based brief smoking cessation advice and support to Aboriginal clients of health services in NSW.
Strategies in the SmokeCheck Project Phase 2 are:
- Providing an evidence-based brief intervention smoking cessation training workshops for Aboriginal health workers and other health professionals. 25 SmokeCheck training workshops are scheduled during 2010 and on-line materials will be available through the SmokeCheck website www.smokecheck.com.au.
- Establishing the Health Services Integration (HSI) program that focuses on improving healthcare service environments to support staff members who have completed the SmokeCheck brief intervention training to apply new skills and knowledge in their routine practice.
- Establishing a range of communication programs to maintain contact with and support for the SmokeCheck-trained workforce following workshop participation. Information on SmokeCheck is available on its website www.smokecheck.com.au. To register to receive the newsletter SmokeCheck Ngaina visit www.smokecheck.com.au/newsletter.
SmokeCheck brief intervention smoking cessation training workshops
The SmokeCheck training workshops have been developed for Aboriginal health workers and other health professionals both in mainstream or community controlled health setting with a primary responsibility for the health care of Aboriginal people in NSW. The workshop prepares participants to use smoking cessation brief intervention in their routine contacts with Aboriginal clients.
Topics covered in the one day training workshop provide participants with an understanding of the health, social and cultural effects of tobacco use in Aboriginal communities, and how to provide advice to support their clients to quit smoking. Participants are trained in the use of culturally specific resources developed to deliver the SmokeCheck brief intervention. Participants completing the full day training workshop receive a certificate acknowledging their participation.
SmokeCheck trained health workers in Tamworth, April 2010 showing their certificates!
A smiling group of SmokeCheck certified health workers in Menindee, June 2010
SmokeCheck workshops have been held across NSW Health Area Health Services since 2007.
Workshop Curriculum
The SmokeCheck brief intervention involves assessing people's readiness and motivation to quit smoking, and uses the 5As approach (ask, assess, advise, assist, arrange follow up) to giving advice.
SmokeCheck's training program
SmokeCheck's training program seeks to:
- Increase the ability and confidence of AHW and other health professionals in NSW delivering a brief smoking cessation intervention that is evidence based;
- Increase awareness among Aboriginal communities an. health services of effective strategies to minimise exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
- Increase awareness among Aboriginal communities and health services in NSW of NSW tobacco-related legislation.
- Increase the ability and confidence of AHW and other health professionals to plan, implement and evaluate local tobacco health promotion projects.
SmokeCheck participants after completing SmokeCheck training at Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Penrith, November 2009
Topics covered in the SmokeCheck training workshop include |
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Brief intervention & motivational interviewing |
Health effects |
History of tobacco use |
Nicotine dependence |
Smoking prevalence & tobacco use |
Nicotine replacement therapy & other quit smoking aids |
Impact of tobacco on Indigenous Australians |
Environmental tobacco smoke |
Social determinants of health |
Health promotion & stages of change |
Cigarette content |
SmokeCheck resources & case studies |
SmokeCheck resources
NSW Aboriginal artist, Ms Bronwyn Bancroft has designed culturally appropriate artwork for client and health worker resources. The SmokeCheck resources are evidence based and include a, health workers' desk top tool guide, pamphlets for clients, a poster, fridge magnets and a DVD demonstrating brief motivational interviewing.
Resources are available to those who have completed the one day SmokeCheck training workshop. To order resources please email the Resource Distribution Unit on TOBINFO@doh.health.nsw.gov.au.
Samples of the SmokeCheck resources
SmokeCheck Workshop Schedule 2010
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August |
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Tuesday |
August 24th |
Rooty Hill |
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Wednesday |
August 25th |
Katoomba |
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September |
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Tuesday |
September 7th |
Shell Harbour |
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Wednesday |
September 8th |
Nowra |
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October |
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Tuesday |
October 12th |
Dolls Point |
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Tuesday |
October 19th |
Coffs Harbour |
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Wednesday |
October 20th |
Kempsey |
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Tuesday |
October 26th |
Albury |
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Thursday |
October 28th |
Queanbeyan |
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November |
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Wednesday |
November 10th |
Tweed Heads |
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Thursday |
November 11th |
Lismore |
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Tuesday |
November 16th |
Griffith |
If you would like to sign up for a SmokeCheck workshop in your area please call (02) 9036 7113 or email smokecheck@sydney.edu.au.