Defining the Target Population and Forecasting Enrollment

Accurately defining the target population for an inpatient tobacco cessation program is necessary in order to establish the need for the program and to forecast enrollment. In turn, quantifying program need and enrollment is necessary for making the business case for the program, estimating counselor caseloads and the resources required to meet caseload demands, establishing the budget, and informing strategies for future growth and development of the program. The size and nature of the target population will also help define the type of program components that will be included.