Smoking Cessation Systems

The Tobacco Treatment Forum (TTF) is made up of members from the University of Otago, Te Runanga O Toa Rangatira, Capital & Coast DHB, and Hutt Valley DHB. One of the major objectives of this forum is to promote the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other evidence based effective smokeless tobacco devices. While smoking cessation is always the most desired outcome, more options are needed to reduce harm for smokers not ready or able to quit.

This forum has a number of interests including:

• Optimizing NRT use due to its significantly lower risk profile (based on current best evidence) by promoting it as a safe and effective alternative to tobacco smoking;
• Promoting smoking cessation and treatment for tobacco addiction within ASPIRE2025, and to profile cessation within policy development;
• Exchanging knowledge with other groups within the tobacco control sector, with an emphasis on current best-practice around treating nicotine dependence;
• Facilitating research studies that include forming collaboratives with and outside District Health Boards;
• Developing a clinic based project with the Capital & Coast DHB to explore the potential value of long term NRT and other pharmacotherapy, and behavioural therapy for those unable to quit smoking; and
• Increasing the availability and visibility of NRT through retail outlets where tobacco is sold, and examining whether tobacco retailers both large and small could provide subsidized NRT and access to cessation services.

Julian Crane leads this theme; other ASPIRE2025 researchers contributing to this theme include:

• Dr Brent Caldwell, Dr Marie Ditchburn, Ms Angela Thie (University of Otago)
• Mr David Robiony-Rogers, Mr Maurice Priestley and Mr Tama Tua (Capital & Coast DHB)
• Mrs Judy Hutton, Ms Puhi Miller and Alison Huxford (Ora Toa Health Unit, Te Runanga O Toa Rangatira Inc)
• Mr Stephen Vega (Hutt Valley DHB)