Development and evaluation of a quitline intervention commenced within an Australian smoke-free residential AOD withdrawal service

Objective: A novel quitline intervention (counseling plus provision of alternative forms of nicotine) was developed for people using a smoke-free, alcohol and other drug (AOD) withdrawal service. The objectives were: to code the intervention manual for behavior change techniques (BCTs) and to evaluate bespoke training, delivery of counseling provided (quality, number of BCTs) and acceptability. Methods: = 38) at six weeks post-baseline. Results: = 0.03). High quality calls were delivered with a mean rating of 82.0 (SD13.16) and a mean of 8.50 (SD3.10) BCTs delivered per call. The BCTs assessment, pharmacological support and advising distraction were used frequently. Acceptability of counseling was good, with high uptake (77%; 68/88 clients contacted), counselors were rated as supportive (92%; 34/37), the majority of clients felt encouraged (87%; 32/37) and recalled counseling content for pharmacotherapy (79%; 30/38) and how to manage cravings (76%, 29/38). Conclusion: A novel quitline intervention for residents of smoke-free, AOD withdrawal unit was delivered with high quality, had high acceptability, offered continuity of care pre- to post-discharge and facilitated tobacco cessation. Content of skills training to manage cravings, commenced in residence, was recalled by recipients post-discharge to sustain tobacco abstinence.