Model of a Quitting Smoking Clinic at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia

Abstract

Smoking is the main preventable cause of mortality. The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ) has looked to strengthen a healthy university since 2003, which has involved the development of various initiatives to promote health and prevent diseases. Among the proposed initiatives and as a response of the proper needs of the university, several actions have been implemented to control smoking by reducing tobacco access, promoting and defending smoke-free areas, discouraging tobacco consumption and favoring cessation. The Quitting Smoking Clinic is an interdisciplinary service, which uses the model of behavioral changes to provide a treatment for those who want to quit. In a community of 30,000 people, it is estimated that more than 500 potential users with differential effectiveness of the interventions (young people and adults). Its implementation involved a study, which evaluated communicative strategies, risk assessment tools, clinical protocols, administrative tools and flows. In the medium term adherence, effectiveness and satisfaction of the users will be evaluated. In addition to reducing smoking, it is expected to promote self-care and placement of a Healthy University Program through integral interventions.