Hunterdon Kicks Butts!
In 2017, are you designing new ways to motivate culture change? Don’t overlook the power of a friendly, well designed competition to facilitate change. We merged an existing national event with a new twist to kickstart a fresh look at tobacco cessation in 2016.
Last year Hunterdon Healthcare took their involvement in the Great American Smokeout to a new level. Practices challenged each other to inspire their patients to enjoy the benefits of being smoke free for at least a day or even the rest of their lives. Sixteen practices competed for the coveted golden boxing glove trophy awarded to the practice motivating the most patients to go smoke free from October 1st to November 16th. The event was organized by a small workgroup from the Hunterdon Healthcare Population Health Committee. All practices received a toolbox of resources for healthcare providers and patients. It included the latest and greatest information on tobacco cessation therapies and methods as well as resources for patients. An outreach telephone script based on motivational interviewing principles was also provided. One of our tobacco cessation specialists designed and built the trophy.
A total of 255 patients took the pledge! First prize went to Psychiatric Associates of Hunterdon. The second place prize was awarded to Hunterdon Family Physicians. Third place was earned by Hunterdon Family Medicine at Cornerstone. Practice prizes were donated by the Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation.
Each participating practice also received at least one gift bag for their patients with supportive items including certificates for nicotine replacement therapy donated by the Hunterdon Mercer Chronic Disease Coalition and the Hunterdon Regional Pharmacy.
Some of our practices have already expressed interest in a 2017 competition. For more information about the Hunterdon Kicks Butts project, contact Rose Puelle at rpuelle@hhsnj.org.