A novel experience-based internet intervention for smoking cessation: feasibility randomised controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundThe internet is frequently used to share experiences of health and illness, but this phenomenon has not been harnessed as an intervention to achieve health behaviour change. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a randomised trial assessing the effects of a novel, experience-based website as a smoking cessation intervention. The secondary aim was to measure the potential impact on smoking behaviour of both the intervention and a comparator website.MethodsA feasibility randomised controlled single-blind trial assessed a novel, experience-based website containing personal accounts of quitting smoking as a cessation intervention, and a comparator website providing factual information. Feasibility measures including recruitment, and usage of the interventions were recorded, and the following participant-reported outcomes were also measured: Smoking Abstinence Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the single-item Motivation to Stop Scale, self-reported abstinence, quit attempts and health status outcomes. Eligible smokers from two English regions were entered into the trial and given access to their allocated website for two weeks.ResultsEighty-seven smokers were randomised, 65 completed follow-up (75 %). Median usage was 15 min for the intervention, and 5 min for the comparator (range 0.5–213 min). Median logins for both sites was 2 (range 1–20). All participant-reported outcomes were similar between groups.ConclusionsIt was technically feasible to deliver a novel intervention harnessing the online sharing of personal experiences as a tool for smoking cessation, but recruitment was slow and actual use was relatively low, with attrition from the trial. Future work needs to maximize engagement and to understand how best to assess the value of such interventions in everyday use, rather than as an isolated ‘dose of information’.Trial registration ISRCTN29549695 DOI 10.1186/ISRCTN29549695. Registered 17/05/2013.

Self‐Control, Plan Quality, and Digital Delivery of Action Planning for Condom and Contraceptive Pill Use of 14–24‐Year‐Olds: Findings from a Clinic‐Based Online Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

“…Another digital feasibility trial in the field of smoking cessation produced similar follow‐up rates to the current study with 75 per cent of the 87 participants randomised completing follow‐up measures (Powell et al. ). They reported slow initial recruitment rates, however, meaning that data collection for a full trial would take time and could be costly.…”

Impact of a multimedia website with patient experiences of multiple sclerosis (PExMS) on immunotherapy decision-making: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial in a mixed-methods design

“…After diagnosis, pwMS are confronted with a variety of management options and have to make complex decisions such as deciding on immunotherapies. PEx as a supplement to factual information may support pwMS in decision-making [ 16 – 18 , 23 , 25 , 28 ]. Using PEx is controversial because they appear to be randomly generated, situation-related, and possibly inaccurate with respect to scientific evidence and may bias decision-making [ 25 , 29 ].…”

“…Also, they fail to envision how their coping skills will help to manage the new situation and develop adaptation, which is important in decision-making processes [ 27 ]. Through PEx, patients may gain feelings of control and confidence facilitating self-management and coping uncertainty [ 16 , 17 , 23 , 25 , 28 ].…”

Impact of a multimedia website with patient experiences of multiple sclerosis (PExMS) on immunotherapy decision-making: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial in a mixed-methods design

“…(15) There is limited but increasing research looking at the value of PEx. (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25) The design and quality of these studies including PEx as an intervention varies. (19,25) Also, there is no agreed-upon operationalisation of PEx, which are also called narratives, exemplars, anecdotes, testimonials or case histories.…”

“…(28) Through PEx, patients may gain feelings of control and con dence facilitating selfmanagement and coping uncertainty. (17,18,24,26,29) The internet provides a wide range of opportunities to share and learn about other PEx via blogs and discussion groups. Different motivations and mostly negative or dramatic experiences within the health system drive contributors to social media platforms, which lead to a selective picture of the disease, treatments and health care resources.…”