New Nurse-led Program will help Aboriginal Smokers Kick the Habit
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THUNDER BAY, Jan. 21, 2008 – As the arrival of National Non-Smoking Week (January 20 to 26) prompts many Canadian smokers to consider quitting, registered nurses are preparing to lead an innovative smoking cessation pilot program at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care’s Family Health Team located on the Fort William First Nation in Thunder Bay.The North West Local Health Integration Network (North West LHIN), Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care Health Team (Dilico FHT) will work collaboratively on this program. As the pilot site, Dilico FHT will be the main focus of the program, but key contacts at other aboriginal health care agencies will also be invited to participate.
“In keeping with Dilico’s commitment to improving the health services and outcomes for Anishinabek People, the Dilico Family Health Team is excited to participate in RNAO’s smoking cessation pilot project,” says Marcia Pedri, Director of Health at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. “As the Dilico Family Health Team continues to grow and expand its programs and services, we are an ideal intervention site and look forward to implementing RNAO’s guidelines into our practice settings. At Dilico, we also believe this collaboration will strengthen our relationships with both the LHIN and the TBDHU.”
Public health nurses participating in the program will be trained to use a counseling method called ‘Ask, Advise, Assist, Arrange’, which is outlined in a best practice guideline developed by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO). This method recommends asking all clients about tobacco use, advising them of the importance of quitting, assisting them by providing information on how to quit and arranging a follow-up meeting or referral to another health-care provider. Evidence shows that these discussions can make a significant difference to smokers who need information and support.
“Smoking is the most important public health issue in terms of chronic disease prevention. Nurses can play a key role in helping people quit smoking, but they need to have the proper education and resources. RNAO will be teaching the nurses involved in this pilot how to advise, counsel and coach smokers using the best methods available,” explains Irmajean Bajnok, Director of International Affairs and Best Practice Guidelines Programs at RNAO.
“The North West LHIN is very pleased to be awarded funding as one of three pilot sites in Ontario to implement this initiative to support primary prevention and promote smoking cessation,” says Gwen DuBois-Wing, CEO of the North West LHIN. “This partnership reflects our commitment to collaborate with providers in the delivery of health care services to individuals across the North West LHIN. We are excited to work with the RNAO on this project and know the North West LHIN will benefit by having 30 to 50 champions trained in Best Practice Guidelines for Smoking Cessation.”
“The Thunder Bay District Health Unit programs have benefited from RNAO’s Best Practice Guidelines. This initiative is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with our partners and increase skill in smoking cessation throughout Northwestern Ontario,” says Ken Allan, Director, Health Protection and Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
RNAO has also announced a smoking cessation pilot program in Ottawa which will focus on helping residents of long-term care facilities quit smoking. RNAO’s goal is to have every nurse in the province ask every patient if they smoke and if they’ve ever considered quitting. Findings from these pilot programs will help RNAO determine the best way to achieve this goal.
“We must break the stereotype that only some nurses talk to patients about smoking cessation. Every nurses needs to learn counseling methods and be part of a universal strategy. Wherever patients go, they should be able to talk to nurses about quitting smoking,” says Irmajean Bajnok.
RNAO’s ambitious Best Practice Guidelines Program, funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care was launched in 1999 to provide the best available evidence for patient care across a wide spectrum of health-care areas. The 36 guidelines developed to date are a substantive contribution towards building excellence in Ontario’s health-care system. They are available to nurses and other health care professionals across Canada and abroad.
The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario is the professional association representing registered nurses in Ontario. Since 1925, RNAO has lobbied for healthy public policy, promoted excellence in nursing practice, increased nurses’ contribution to shaping the health-care system, and influenced decisions that affect nurses and the public they serve. To learn more about RNAO’s Nursing Best Guidelines Program or to view these resources please visit www.rnao.org/bestpractices.
-30-
For more information, please contact: Jill-Marie Burke Media Relations Coordinator Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario Work phone: 416-408-5606
Cell: 647-504-4008
Toll-free: 1-800-268-7199 ext.250 E-mail: jburke@rnao.org
