BACKGROUND: Promoting tobacco and nicotine cessation and preventing initiation can lead to significant savings in healthcare and social costs. However, tobacco and nicotine cessation, along with guidance, support, and treatment pathways, are not always effectively integrated into healthcare practice. As a result, clients' access to tobacco and nicotine cessation support and services may be hindered. This study, conducted as part of the JA PreventNCD project, examined the system-level factors that contribute to the successful implementation of early identification and brief interventions related to tobacco and nicotine products in the wellbeing service counties in Finland.
METHODS: In 2024, data were collected by a structural web-based survey directed to key actors working in health care services related to tobacco and nicotine cessation from wellbeing service counties in Finland (n = 21). The survey measured six items: structures, knowledge management, strengthening of competence, communications, good practices, and people with special support needs. The data were analysed using quantitative methods.
RESULTS: A third (29%) of the counties had appointed a party responsible for coordinating tobacco and nicotine cessation efforts, and most (81%) documented clients' tobacco and nicotine product use. Just over half (62%) documented early identification and interventions. One third (33%) provided annual training on tobacco and nicotine cessation for healthcare professionals. Over half (67%) of the counties reported having appropriate materials, and three-quarters (71%) used digital cessation services. Pregnant women and lung disease patients (43%) were considered for special support.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the organisation of tobacco and nicotine cessation services and structures is uneven and still in its early stages in the wellbeing service counties, requiring more effective implementation. Further research is needed to explore the organisation and structure of tobacco and nicotine cessation services and care pathways at the organisational level.