PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Carlos Jiminez Ruiz AU - Katherine Kemper AU - Richard Hurt AU - Emma Croghan AU - Martin Raw TI - Global bridges: A global approach to improving tobacco dependence treatment DP - 2013 Sep 01 TA - European Respiratory Journal PG - P1066 VI - 42 IP - Suppl 57 4099 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P1066.short 4100 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P1066.full SO - Eur Respir J2013 Sep 01; 42 AB - IntroductionTobacco use remains the most significant cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in Europe, and is a leading cause of both across the World. Health Care Professionals (HCPs) have a major role to play in identifying tobacco users and supporting them to quit using evidence based clinical practice; there is significant variation in attitudes, knowledge and behaviour, and in policy/practice. The FCTC requires all parties to the treaty (176 countries) to establish tobacco dependence systems.Aims/objectivesThe Global Bridges: Healthcare Alliance for Tobacco Dependence Treatment network has been established to build a worldwide network of healthcare professionals & organisations dedicated to this issue.Methods:Each WHO region has a tailored approach developed to reach & engage HCPs, including reviewing and providing resources, training programmes, and linking together HCPs. In Europe, this also includes the engagement of local leaders to provide access to resources, policy makers and practitioners.Results:To date, over 1575 HCPs in 53 countries have been trained; all of the WHO regions are engaged in the network. Across Europe, a scoping exercise found significant variation in policy and practice amongst countries; and significant opportunities to engage with relevant leaders and professionals (1). There is clear recent evidence that more work is required for most countries to be compliant with the requirements of the FCTC (14) (2).Conclusions:Organisations such as ERS are integral to supporting effective professional practice across countries. There is opportunity to work together to establish effective systems & professional practice to reduce tobacco dependence across the world.