You are currently viewing a topic page that is part of the Cluster Planning Support Portal (CPSP). Each topic page comprises (a) topic-specific strategic context; (b) signposting to data analyses relating to local health needs; and (c) improvement action options.
A. Strategic context
Consider the national strategic context for prioritising improvement action in this area (in conjunction with your health board’s annual plan and regional partnership board’s area plan). The strategic importance of a given topic is key to thinking about how our actions align with local or national initiatives and policies to deliver collective and measurable impacts on population health.
- Smoking is the top-ranked behavioural risk factor contributing to avoidable disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).
- Smoking is accountable for over 40% of attributable DALYs due to cancer (neoplasms) and two thirds of the attributable risk for DALYs due to chronic respiratory disease (Health and its determinants in Wales; PHW 2018).
- Smoking accounts for around a third of the total inequality in mortality between the most and least deprived areas in Wales (PHW 2012).
- A healthier Wales: our plan for health and social care 2018 (WG 2018) highlights the need for a shift towards greater prevention and early intervention.
- Reduction in the prevalence of smoking to reduce the burden of avoidable disease is identified as a joint priority for Directors of Public Health across Wales.
- A smoke-free Wales: Our long-term tobacco control strategy (WG 2022). In order to meet this vision for a smoke-free Wales we will be driving forward work across our three key themes of Reducing Inequalities, Future Generations and a Whole-System Approach for a Smoke-Free Wales.
- The Public health (Wales) Act 2017 (WG 2017) intends to de-normalise smoking and limit smoking in public places; since nicotine is highly addictive, many smokers require support to quit.
- Demand in primary care is up to 34% higher in smokers. This means, for the average practice every year, up to 142 extra GP appointments and up to 570 extra nurse or nurse practitioner appointments.
- Indicators for this topic are reported via Primary Care Measures and the NHS Wales Delivery Framework
B. Data analyses
Consider statistical indicators and other evidence on population needs to compare your own position to that of others, both within and without your health board (where possible). If relevant, consider any additional local data requirements that might contribute to an informed decision on action.
- Indicator: Description of a recommended indicator relating to this topic, which would inform population needs assessment.
- Data source and link: Who produces the analysis and where to find the most current analysis on their website (NB the most current analysis may not utilise the most recent data).
- Documentation link: Where to find general advice on interpreting the analysis e.g. what is/ is not included, any caveats, etc.
C. Improvement actions
Identifying priority actions involves seeking and appraising evidence on effective and cost-effective improvement options. The below options are a starting point for considering interventions at practice, cluster/ professional collaborative or pan-cluster level. The make-up of your cluster and the stakeholders you work with is likely to influence the type of actions you take.
Reviewed by: VT/BM | Review date: 27/06/22 | Topic code: BFR-001