The Safer Baby Bundle national rollout – Improving uptake of Smoking Cessation Support for pregnant women who smoke: Sub-study of the Safer Baby Bundle (SBB)

The sub-study of the Safer Baby Bundle is centred on assisting pregnant women who smoke by identifying effective practices to aid in their cessation efforts. The research aims to identify the number of women referred for support as well as those who attend their appointments. Additionally, it seeks to explore strategies to improve access to and participation in smoking cessation programs for these women.

Key components of the research include:
• A review of interventions to increase the uptake of external stop-smoking appointments following health professional referrals in pregnancy. The systematic review can be accessed here

• Assessing the effectiveness of health professional referrals by analysing the proportion of women who smoke that are referred to and uptake telephone appointments with smoking cessation services. The timing and frequency of referrals and the acceptance rates of these referrals were also explored. The publication can be accessed here

• Interviews with health professionals and Quitline counsellors aim to identify barriers and enablers impacting women’s attendance at smoking cessation services. Insights will guide future interventions.

• Perspectives from clinicians and Quitline counsellors will be analysed to create a thorough understanding of the referral pathway for smoking cessation, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities in supporting pregnant women who smoke.