StopApp: Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to Develop an App to Increase Uptake and Attendance at NHS Stop Smoking Services.

Emily Fulton,Kayleigh Kwah,Katherine Brown,Sue Wild

doi:10.3390/healthcare4020031

Emily Fulton, Kayleigh Kwah + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare4020031

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Abstract

Smokers who attend NHS Stop Smoking Services (SSS) are four times more likely to stop smoking; however, uptake has been in decline. We report the development of an intervention designed to increase uptake of SSS, from a more motivated self-selected sample of smokers. In Phase 1 we collected data to explore the barriers and facilitators to people using SSS. In Phase 2, data from extant literature and Phase 1 were subject to behavioural analysis, as outlined by the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework. Relevant Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) were identified in order to address these, informing the content of the StopApp intervention. In Phase 3 we assessed the acceptability of the StopApp. Smokers and ex-smokers identified a number of barriers to attending SSS, including a lack of knowledge about what happens at SSS (Capability); the belief that SSS is not easy to access (Opportunity); that there would be ’scare tactics’ or ‘nagging’; and not knowing anyone who had been and successfully quit (Motivation). The ‘StopApp’ is in development and will link in with the commissioned SSS booking system. Examples of the content and functionality of the app are outlined. The next phase will involve a full trial to test effectiveness.

Highlights

Smoking remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide [1]
Is outlined outlined and has(i) been development using the is in detail target behaviour(s) for an intervention to increase uptake at Smoking Services (SSS), and (ii) the design of an applied extensively extensively elsewhere elsewhere (e.g., [23])
We explored the barriers to and facilitators of smokers’ capability, opportunity, and motivation to access and attend a SSS

Summary

Introduction

Smoking remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide [1]. Smoking is prevalent across age groups, cultures, and communities, it is more common in more socially deprived groups [2]. Reducing the prevalence of smoking in the United Kingdom is an ongoing challenge for public health. National Health Service (NHS) Stop Smoking Services (SSS) were established in England and Wales in 2000 (see www.nhs.uk/smokefree), and offer the most cost effective interventions for supporting smokers to stop [3]. Smokers are four times more likely to stop smoking with their help than when attempting alone [4]. Attendance in recent years has been in decline [5], despite the fact that approximately two thirds of smokers report that they want to quit [1].

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