Implementing a smoking cessation service in routine and manual workplaces: A qualitative service evaluation.
- 1Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
Abstract
Objectives
Routine and manual workers have higher smoking rates than those in professional occupations, contributing to health inequalities. Workplace cessation interventions may increase long-term abstinence in this group, but employee uptake is low, and managers often oppose onsite delivery. We aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to implementation and employee uptake of a workplace smoking cessation service from the perspective of cessation advisors, workplace managers, and service coordinators. The service was a free 12-16-week programme of weekly behavioural support plus nicotine replacement therapy, medication, or an e-cigarette.Study design
Qualitative service evaluation.Methods
One cessation advisor, one workplace manager, and two service coordinators (one from the council and one from the service provider) participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were descriptively analysed against the four constructs of Normalisation Process Theory.Results
Coordinators reported misunderstandings about the scope of the service and which workplaces were eligible, alongside employer concerns about perceived administrative and financial burdens (Coherence). Concise communication and council involvement helped navigate organisational gatekeepers, although outreach was constrained by limited dedicated capacity (Cognitive Participation). Workplace factors, including lack of private space and shift-work patterns, reduced employee uptake (Collective Action). Participants also highlighted threats to long-term sustainability, including limited anonymised feedback to managers on uptake and cessation outcomes and the need for repeated managerial approvals for onsite delivery (Reflexive Monitoring).Conclusions
Implementation of smoking cessation services within routine and manual workplaces may hinge on improving communication between those who commission and deliver services and the workplaces they seek to support.
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BibTeX
@article{talbot2026implementing,
title = {{Implementing a smoking cessation service in routine and manual workplaces: A qualitative service evaluation.}},
author = {Amelia Talbot and Nicola Lindson and Jonathan Taylor and Angela Difeng Wu},
journal = {Public health in practice (Oxford, England)},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.puhip.2026.100862},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42898428},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Implementing a smoking cessation service in routine and manual workplaces: A qualitative service evaluation.
AU - Amelia Talbot
AU - Nicola Lindson
AU - Jonathan Taylor
AU - Angela Difeng Wu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/03
JO - Public health in practice (Oxford, England)
DO - 10.1016/j.puhip.2026.100862
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42898428
AB - Objectives Routine and manual workers have higher smoking rates than those in professional occupations, contributing to health inequalities. Workplace cessation interventions may increase long-term abstinence in this group, but employee uptake is low, and managers often oppose onsite delivery. We aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to implementation and employee uptake of a workplace smoking cessation service from the perspective of cessation advisors, workplace managers, and service coordinators. The service was a free 12-16-week programme of weekly behavioural support plus nicotine replacement therapy, medication, or an e-cigarette.Study design Qualitative service evaluation.Methods One cessation advisor, one workplace manager, and two service coordinators (one from the council and one from the service provider) participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were descriptively analysed against the four constructs of Normalisation Process Theory.Results Coordinators reported misunderstandings about the scope of the service and which workplaces were eligible, alongside employer concerns about perceived administrative and financial burdens (Coherence). Concise communication and council involvement helped navigate organisational gatekeepers, although outreach was constrained by limited dedicated capacity (Cognitive Participation). Workplace factors, including lack of private space and shift-work patterns, reduced employee uptake (Collective Action). Participants also highlighted threats to long-term sustainability, including limited anonymised feedback to managers on uptake and cessation outcomes and the need for repeated managerial approvals for onsite delivery (Reflexive Monitoring).Conclusions Implementation of smoking cessation services within routine and manual workplaces may hinge on improving communication between those who commission and deliver services and the workplaces they seek to support.
SN - 2666-5352
ER -