Impact of the ‘10,000 lives’ program on Quitline referrals, use and outcomes by demography and Indigenous status

INTRODUCTION: In November 2017, Central Queensland Public Health Unit launched the ‘10,000 Lives’ initiative to reduce smoking prevalence in Central Queensland. The program partnered with local champions and other programs (e.g. ‘Deadly Choices’) to promote the use of smoking cessation services (e.g. Quitline) in Central Queensland. This study assesses the program's impact on Quitline use by participant demographics and Indigenous status. METHODS: We compared the number of referred individuals who participated in and completed the Quitline program, and quit smoking during 26‐months before (July 2015 to August 2017) and after (November 2017 to December 2019) the ‘10,000 Lives’ launch. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of monthly referrals to and use of Quitline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. RESULTS: Overall, 3207 individuals were referred to Quitline during the 26‐months‐post‐launch compared to 1594 during 26‐months‐pre‐launch period of ‘10,000 Lives’. The number of referred individuals who completed Quitline program increased by 330.7% and quit smoking by 308.3% in post‐launch period. The increase was substantially higher among aged 45+ years, females and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The result for referrals and use of Quitline was validated by interrupted time series analysis for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The ‘10,000 Lives’ collaborative approach to partner with local champions and targeted smoking cessation programs was effective in increasing the use of Quitline and smoking cessation among all demographic groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This approach can be used in other regions to address higher smoking prevalence.