An Experimental Feasibility Study of a Hybrid Telephone Counseling/Text Messaging Intervention for Post-Discharge Cessation Support Among Hospitalized Smokers in Brazil

Abstract

This study extends research on hospital-initiated smoking cessation by establishing the feasibility of a novel text-messaging approach for post-discharge follow up. Text messaging is a low-cost alternative to proactive telephone counseling that could help overcome resource barriers in middle and lower income countries. This hybrid texting/counseling intervention identified smokers in hospitals, established rapport through a single telephone follow-up, and expanded acceptability and reach of later support by using text-messaging, which is free of charge in this and other low-income countries. The favorable cessation outcomes achieved by the hybrid intervention provide support for a fully powered effectiveness trial.

Supporting smoking cessation and preventing relapse following a stay in a smoke‐free setting: a meta‐analysis and investigation of effective behaviour change techniques

“…1). Twenty‐three studies [10,37–58] were RCTs (intervention n = 6593, control n = 5801). Three studies [59–61] were trials, but adopted a non‐randomized design (intervention n = 845, control n = 394).…”

Web-based decision-making tool for smoking cessation (Pare de fumar conosco) among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil : one-arm feasibility study

“…Cruvinel et al showed the feasibility of a hybrid telephone and text messaging counselling intervention among postdischarge hospitalised smokers in Brazil. 45 This hybrid intervention was well accepted by participants and resulted in noteworthy retention and cessation rates at 12 weeks.…”

“…Evidence suggests that the potential for text messages to deliver smoking cessation treatment may be even greater among hard-to-reach and socioeconomically disadvantage populations,44 like the one assessed in this study. Cruvinel et al showed the feasibility of a hybrid telephone and text messaging counselling intervention among postdischarge hospitalised smokers in Brazil 45. This hybrid intervention was well accepted by participants and resulted in noteworthy retention and cessation rates at 12 weeks.…”

Smoking Cessation and Hospitalized Patients: A Missed Opportunity to Avoid Premature Deaths

“… 11 Among the remaining 14 studies, 8 showed no difference between the intervention and comparison groups. 12 - 19 Three studies included self-reported and biochemically tested abstinence and reported positive results based on self-reports but not on biochemical testing. 20 - 22 Two other studies reported positive results based on self-reports but did not include biochemical testing.…”