Brief Advice on Smoking Cessation - 14th May 2026

Brief Advice training equips frontline staff with practical skills to deliver effective, evidence-based stop smoking interventions using the 3 As and TARR models. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK, killing 216 people every day. While 67% of smokers want to quit and 75% have tried at least once, most attempt to quit without support. However, with the help of a trained advisor, medication, and support, smokers are up to three times more likely to quit successfully. This training focuses on how to ASK, ADVISE, and ACT to support smokers, including the use of Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitoring as a powerful motivational tool to demonstrate the immediate health impacts of smoking and track recovery progress, The content of this training may be adapted throughout the year in response to participant feedback and emerging updates to ensure it remains current, relevant, and aligned with service needs.”

Information about this training

This practical training session covers the fundamentals of delivering Brief Advice within the context of Hertfordshire Health Improvement Service’s three-tier service structure. Participants will learn the 3 As approach (ASK about smoking status, ADVISE on the best way to quit, ACT on patient response) and the TARR model for CO monitoring (TEST with CO breath test, ASK about household smoking, ADVISE on results and concerns, REFER to stop smoking services). The training includes understanding how cigarette smoke contains over 4,800 chemicals including carbon monoxide, which reduces oxygen-carrying capacity and increases heart disease and stroke risk. You’ll learn how to interpret CO readings, use them as motivational tools, and make appropriate referrals to HHIS stop smoking services. The session also provides context on the government-funded Smokefree Hertfordshire programme and available support services.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand why smoking cessation is a public health priority and the opportunity for intervention
• Apply the 3 As model effectively: ASK, ADVISE, and ACT
• Use the TARR model for Carbon Monoxide monitoring.
• Perform CO breath tests accurately, safely and Interpret CO readings.
• Understand how carbon monoxide affects the body and health outcomes
• Use CO monitoring as a motivational tool to support behaviour change
• Communicate the health risks of smoking and benefits of quitting in accessible language
• Recognize when and how to refer clients to HHIS stop smoking services
• Understand the Hertfordshire Health Improvement Service structure and available support pathways
• Access and signpost clients to appropriate services including digital support options
• Record smoking status appropriately and make effective referrals

Who is the course aimed at?

This training is aimed at frontline healthcare professionals and staff who have contact with smokers and want to provide brief, effective stop smoking interventions. This includes healthcare assistants, practice nurses, pharmacy staff, community health workers, dental professionals, midwives, health visitors, hospital staff, and anyone working in healthcare or community settings who encounters smokers. The training is particularly relevant for those who want to use CO monitoring as part of their brief advice delivery and those working in primary care, secondary care, or commissioned provider settings.

Entry requirements to do this course

None

How you will be assessed

No assessment for this training.

Expectations following training

As we offer free training to professionals, anyone who we train in Brief Advice is expected to deliver a Level 1 stop smoking service. A commitment from participants and their organisation to deliver a Level 1 stop smoking service includes these 4 components:

• Initiate conversations with service users about smoking
• Take carbon monoxide (CO) readings
• Provide brief advice
• Signpost to local stop smoking services

The next steps for those being trained are:

• Ask their service/department lead to email us at HealthImprovementService@hertfordshire.gov.uk to confirm their commitment to deliver a Level 1 service
• Public Health commissioners will then be in touch to sign a contract/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and explain the expectations from both parties as one of our Level 1 providers
• Once confirmed, we will provide a new CO monitor to support service delivery

What happens after I book this training?

After booking the training, you’ll receive a confirmation email with pre-course requirements and course details. Post-training, a follow-up email will provide instructions to complete for your participation certificate. You’ll also have the option to engage in follow-up communication.

Contact us details

01442 453 071

HealthImprovementService@hertfordshire.gov.uk