Training for tobacco quit line counsellors: telephone counselling

Overview

The quit line has been recommended as one of the population-wide approaches to support tobacco users in quitting by the guidelines for implementation of Article 14 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). All Parties to the Convention should offer quit lines by which callers can receive advice from trained cessation specialists (quit line counsellors). Therefore, training of tobacco quit line counsellors is a critical component of quit line operation. This training package is based on empirical evidence, best practices and over 20 years of clinical experience in delivering quit line services. It is primarily intended to serve as comprehensive initial training for new quit line counsellors in low- and middle-income countries. It can also be used for periodic refresher training for current quit line counsellors to ensure that they maintain proficiency and to enhance their skills for telephone counselling.