An evaluation of the range and availability of intensive smoking cessation services in Ireland.

Background: A review of smoking cessation (SC) services in Ireland is a necessary step in improving service planning and provision.

Aims: To assess the range and availability of intensive SC services in Ireland in 2006.

Methods: A survey of SC service providers in Ireland was conducted. Descriptive analysis and simple linear regression analysis was used.

Results: Response rate was 86.3% (63/73). All service providers surveyed are employing evidence-based interventions; the most common form of support is individual counselling with initial sessions averaging 40 min and weekly review sessions 20 min in duration. Reaching the recommended target of treating 5.0% of smokers does not seem feasible given the current distribution of resources and there appears to be regional differences in resource allocation.

Conclusions: While intensive SC services are available in all four Health Service Executive Areas, it would appear that there is little uniformity or consistency countrywide in the scope and structure of these services.