Strengthening tobacco cessation services through evaluation and innovation: a protocol to improve ouvsus 136 in brazil
1
Fiocruz Amazônia: ILMD, Manaus, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1289
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Despite Brazil’s leadership in tobacco control, smoking prevalence has stabilized in specific population groups, while the use of new products such as electronic cigarettes and hookah has increased, particularly among youth. Telephone-based cessation services (quitlines) are internationally recognized as cost-effective strategies to support smoking cessation and increase quit attempts, especially in contexts with barriers to access face-to-face care.¹² In Brazil, OuvSUS 136 represents a strategic national service within the Unified Health System (SUS), yet its organization, communication strategies and integration with current tobacco control policies require systematic evaluation. This is an ongoing evaluative study designed to assess the organization, processes and operational capacity of OuvSUS 136. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, including document analysis, review of service protocols, qualitative interviews with managers and technical staff, analysis of service production data and assessment of counseling content. The evaluation framework is informed by previous national and international studies on quitline implementation and effectiveness.²³ The project also involves engagement with institutional partners from the Ministry of Health, INCA and regulatory authorities. The study is expected to produce a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of OuvSUS 136, identifying strengths, gaps and opportunities for modernization. Anticipated outputs include evidence-based recommendations to improve service organization, communication strategies, workforce training and integration with national tobacco cessation policies, as well as tools to strengthen monitoring, evaluation and sustainability. Continuous evaluation and innovation are essential to maintain the effectiveness of population-based tobacco cessation services. By strengthening OuvSUS 136, this study contributes to improving equitable access to cessation support and reinforces Brazil’s National Tobacco Control Policy through evidence-informed governance and health system strengthening.
Despite Brazil’s leadership in tobacco control, smoking prevalence has stabilized in specific population groups, while the use of new products such as electronic cigarettes and hookah has increased, particularly among youth. Telephone-based cessation services (quitlines) are internationally recognized as cost-effective strategies to support smoking cessation and increase quit attempts, especially in contexts with barriers to access face-to-face care.¹² In Brazil, OuvSUS 136 represents a strategic national service within the Unified Health System (SUS), yet its organization, communication strategies and integration with current tobacco control policies require systematic evaluation. This is an ongoing evaluative study designed to assess the organization, processes and operational capacity of OuvSUS 136. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, including document analysis, review of service protocols, qualitative interviews with managers and technical staff, analysis of service production data and assessment of counseling content. The evaluation framework is informed by previous national and international studies on quitline implementation and effectiveness.²³ The project also involves engagement with institutional partners from the Ministry of Health, INCA and regulatory authorities. The study is expected to produce a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of OuvSUS 136, identifying strengths, gaps and opportunities for modernization. Anticipated outputs include evidence-based recommendations to improve service organization, communication strategies, workforce training and integration with national tobacco cessation policies, as well as tools to strengthen monitoring, evaluation and sustainability. Continuous evaluation and innovation are essential to maintain the effectiveness of population-based tobacco cessation services. By strengthening OuvSUS 136, this study contributes to improving equitable access to cessation support and reinforces Brazil’s National Tobacco Control Policy through evidence-informed governance and health system strengthening.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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