Quit Genius is a digital clinic, delivering a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment program to help people quit smoking, 100% virtually and at no cost to themselves.
The new initiative, identified and led by the Health Improvement Commission’s Substance Use team, will be delivered in partnership with Public Health Services and Quitline. Initially 100 people will have the chance to sign up to determine if it could be a success locally.
Quit Genius is a smoking cessation support system delivered though a smartphone app, connecting people who want to quit with dedicated UK coaches for a period of up to 12 weeks. People who enrol will receive personalised interactive support including learning new techniques to deal with cravings. Those taking part will also get free Nicotine Replacement Therapy products to support their quit attempts as well as a breath sensor to help keep track of the effects of being smoke free.
Research has shown that the Quit Genius approach to be more effective than usual care, for some people.
Grace Lindsay, Tobacco Harm Reduction Officer at the Health Improvement Commission explained how this new development offers people a new route to for people looking to quit smoking: “We’re pleased to bring this new technology to the Bailiwick, which provides accessible support to those who may have the motivation to quit smoking, but find it hard to attend face-to-face appointments. We’re delighted to partner with Quitline on this project, who will continue to provide a dedicated in-person service to all who’d like it.”
“We’re excited to work closely with the Health Improvement Commission and Quitline to bring this new, innovative approach of tobacco cessation to the Bailiwick,” said Yusuf Sherwani, M.D., Co-founder and CEO of Quit Genius. “Smoking can be devastating, but with this new partnership Quit Genius aims to support healthier living by providing a digital quit service for those living in Guernsey and Alderney.”
Andrea Tostevin, manager at Quitline said: “The team at Quitline are also excited for this new tech to come to the Bailiwick. They know that time can sometimes be a barrier to accessing support to quit smoking. Having a coach in people’s pockets will really add another string to the bow at Quitline and we are looking forward to offering this as an alternative to the face-to-face service for those who might find it a better option.
“Quitline will continue to offer professional, nurse led, local support, as this is known to work very well – the Quit Genius app is another tool in our box and increases the options for people to access support in our community.”
You can sign up for Quit Genius here.
Main image shows, from left to right, Grace Lindsay, Tobacco Harm Reduction Officer, Andrea Nightingale, Substance Use Lead at the Health Improvement Commission and Andrea Tostevin, Manager at Quitline.
