National Database

• A national smoking cessation database has been developed by NHS Scotland's Information Services Division (ISD) and is available for use by smoking cessation services.
• The system is web-based, operating through NHS-net.
• It will enable automatic transfer of anonymised data for national monitoring.
• The database collects the smoking cessation minimum dataset and additional information for local purposes.
• The system includes features to help service management - reporting facilities, letter templates and flagging up clients for follow-up.

News and downloads:

In March 2006, ISD launched a redeveloped version of the database, incorporating additional database functionality (such as statistical reports and letter generation) as well as enhanced screen layout and design to improve the look and usability of the system. ISD have set up a test site where you can view the database and enter dummy data.

• NHS Smoking Cessation Service Statistics (Scotland) 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009 released 15th December 2009.
• NHS Smoking Cessation Service Statistics (Scotland) 1st January to 31st December 2008 released 26th May 2009.
• In 2008 Cheryl Heeley, ISD Scotland, produced detailed exploratory analysis of Scotland-wide smoking cessation information for 2007 as part of her MSC Public Health Research at Edinburgh University. A summary paper highlighting some of the key results can be downloaded here.
• NHS Smoking Cessation Service Statistics (Scotland) 1st January to 31st December 2007 released 25th March 2008.
• The first statistics (from 2006) from the national smoking cessation database/national smoking cessation monitoring in Scotland were published on 26th March 2007 and are available on the Scottish Public Health Observatory's website.