Developing, Managing, and Sustaining an Effective International Tobacco Dependence Treatment Partnership

Introduction: Global Bridges, hosted at Mayo Clinic since 2010, is the only international network of healthcare professionals dedicated to tobacco dependence treatment. Globally, fewer resources have been dedicated to treatment than to other evidence-based tobacco control policies. The Global Bridges network seeks to aid in filling this gap in tobacco control. Aims: This paper identifies ways to advance tobacco dependence treatment, as well as tobacco control, through efficient and effective use of a global health care provider network. Methods: Observation and critical analysis of lessons learned, project outcomes to date, and network analysis. Results/Findings: The initiative has built a strong global foundation, with training curricula developed and delivered in a number of countries, including low- and middle-income countries. While basic evaluation of content mastery and learner satisfaction has been conducted, more intensive evaluation and follow-up to confirm public health impact are essential needs. Finally, program analysis and application of management theory can be used in aiding future activities aimed at providing support for health care providers in the delivery of tobacco dependence treatment and in similar global public health endeavors. Conclusions: The Global Bridges healthcare professional network, now in its sixth year, has developed training curricula and expanded evidence-based tobacco dependence education among healthcare professionals. Global Bridges comprises a unique and important component of the broader tobacco control community, and can play an integral role in furthering global tobacco control progress.