Quit Connection Program

What is Quit Connection?

Quit Connection provides a seamless integration between the cessation services of the Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline (SHL) and health professionals who identify and refer clients who smoke or want to remain smoke-free. The Quit Connection Program eliminates the need for clients to call SHL. Instead, a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Specialist will contact the tobacco user to provide services.

How does Quit Connection work?

Quit Connection brings patients and evidence-based services together through a fax referral system. Physicians need only identify a patient interested in quitting. A brief fax referral form is completed (including patient’s signed consent) which is then faxed directly to Smokers’ Helpline by the health care provider. Smokers’ Helpline does the rest!

What types of services will my patients receive?

Upon receipt of a faxed consent form, the referral is entered into the SHL’s confidential database and a call is scheduled for a preferred time of day that the client has identified. Four attempts will be made to contact the client. Quit Specialists provide information about the service, assess a client’s readiness to quit, and offer services based on each individual client’s situation.

For more information on the services provided by Smokers’ Helpline visit www.smokershelpline.ca or call 1-877-513-5333.

How can I become involved?

Physicians can register with the Quit Connection Program by clicking on the OMA logo below, completing the registration form and faxing it to the number provided. Upon receipt of your registration, you will be sent a package of information materials including:

Full protocol for patient referral.

Smokers’ Helpline information to share with your patients.

Fax referral forms to begin referring patients right away.

Order form for additional supplies.

Why should I get involved with Quit Connection?

It is important to remember that 70% of people who smoke want to quit. Research indicates that success rates increase significantly when there is even brief clinical intervention, and increases further when combined with pharmaco-therapy and/or intensive behavioural counselling. In as little as three minutes you can help your patients by asking about tobacco use, assessing their readiness to quit and faxing a referral to the Smokers’ Helpline for assistance through the Quit Connection program. To register, click on the logo below to download the Quit Connection registration form.