QuitLine Systems Update
Flexible Quit Date Option
December 5, Colorado launched a “flexible quit date” protocol for QuitLine callers, removing the prior requirement that a quit date within 30 days must be set to be eligible to receive NRT through the program. Pre-cessation and reduce to quit NRT are evidence-based pharmacotherapy approaches that help clients build confidence, coping skills and self-efficacy while reducing smoking consumption to help them move towards complete cessation. Since implementation, 33% of QuitLine coaching enrolled clients received NRT who would not otherwise have been eligible. STEPP and National Jewish continue to encourage clients to include setting a quit date as a component of their treatment planning process.
MD Consent Protocol Change
January 30, the QuitLine removed medical consent requirements for persons with heart disease and uncontrolled hypertension to be eligible to receive NRT. Over the past 15 years, a large volume of research has demonstrated that non-prescription NRT use does not increase adverse cardiovascular events in people with heart disease, and can be safely used by this population to stop smoking. In examining QuitLine data, National Jewish identified that more than half of participants for whom medical consent was required did not receive NRT. QuitLine clients will continue to be asked if they have been instructed against use of NRT by their doctor, and if affirmed, these clients will be required to obtain medical authorization prior to NRT shipment. Medical consent procedure will remain in place for clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. For more information, contact
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