Economies of Scale: A National Network of Quitlines Suzy McDonald, Program Consultant, Tobacco Control Programme, Health Canada

A National Network of Quitlines: Methods 1)Multi-jurisdictional consultations on the need for quitlines held as part of a wider consultation; 2)The creation of infrastructure to ensure appropriate quitline services; 3)The use of economies of scale to set-up quitlines across Canada; 4)Ensuring evaluation and promotion of quitlines across Canada; 5)Setting up a National Network of Quitlines to further enhance collaboration among quitline providers.

A National Network of Quitlines: Multi-jurisdictional Consultations Consultations with a wide range of partners including: –Provincial and territorial governments –Non-governmental organizations –The Ministerial Advisory Council Strong support for the provision of quitlines existed at all levels of government and among non- governmental partners.

A National Network of Quitlines: Creation of Infrastructure The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) had developed an existing quitline model. CCS quitline model (Smokers’ Helpline) was running in three provinces. Canadian Lung Association model running in two provinces. Funding partnerships between the federal government, provincial governments and non- government organizations were discussed.

A National Network of Quitlines: Economies of Scale Pilot projects were put forth in six Canadian provinces. Calls for 6 of 10 provinces answered at one call centre (located in Hamilton, Ontario). Local quitline coordinators hired to provide on the ground support. Similar resources mailed to all callers. Common database used to provide and collect information.

A National Network of Quitlines: Evaluation and Promotion Funding for evaluation provided by Health Canada. Common evaluation standards used for 7 provinces. Evaluation collaboration among all 10 provinces established. Large scale national campaign promoting cessation and encouraging people to use quitlines. Health Canada website promoting the use of quitlines.

A National Network of Quitlines: Set-up National Steering Committee of Federal and Provincial government representatives established to: –Champion for quitlines –Establish priorities for quitlines –Examine issues of sustainability –Provide guidance National Coordinating Body hired via competitive process to: –Perform day-to-day work for the network –Perform background research on other models –Undertake research to determine the needs of stakeholders –Produce a recommendations report All quitline providers and all funders invited to provide feedback and on-going input.

A National Network of Quitlines: Benefits Sharing and support; A stronger voice for quitlines; Synergy; Capacity; Creativity; Credibility; A supportive environment.; Access and use of quality services.

A National Network of Quitlines: Challenges Clarity of purpose, roles and responsibilities; Need to be national in scope; Addressing different levels of development; Facilitating collaboration; Balancing conformity with innovation; Effort, communication, participation; Organizational barriers; Sustainability.

A National Network of Quitlines: Next Steps Roles and responsibilities; Vision, mission and principles; Stakeholder engagement; Communications process; Models; Decision on a network.

A National Network of Quitlines: Results and Lessons Learned Importance of stakeholder commitment; Benefits of using economies of scale; The importance of promotion; The importance of evaluation; Concerns and challenges must be addressed.

Contact Information Suzy McDonald Program Consultant Tobacco Control Programme, Health Canada