The effectiveness of technology‐based interventions for smoking cessation: An umbrella review and quality assessment of systematic reviews

Abstract

Issues. With the advancement and rapid increase in the public's interest in utilisation of Internet and mobile phones, technology-based interventions are being implemented across a range of health conditions to improve patient outcomes. The aim of this review was to summarise findings from systematic reviews that evaluated the effectiveness of technology-based smoking cessation interventions and to critically appraise their methodological qualities. Approach. An umbrella review was conducted using studies identified from a comprehensive literature search of six databases and grey literature. All included systematic reviews were checked for eligibility criteria and quality using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews tool. The level of evidence for each intervention category was assessed, citation matrices were generated and corrected covered area was calculated. Key Findings. Five systematic reviews with a total of 212 randomised controlled trials and 237 760 participants were included. Fourteen intervention approaches were identified and classified into three categories: stand-alone web-based; stand-alone mobile phone-based and multicomponent interventions. Incorporating web and/or mobile-based interventions with face-to-face approach improved the rate of smoking cessation. However, there was no consistent evidence regarding the effectiveness of stand-alone Internet or mobile-based interventions. Implications. Policymakers are recommended to develop strategies that enable health professionals to integrate these approaches with face-to-face smoking cessation support. Health professionals are recommended to be trained and equipped for online and mobile-based interventions. Conclusion. Adding technology-based intervention to face-to-face smoking cessation support improves smoking cessation. Further research is needed to evaluate stand-alone web-based and mobile phone-based interventions. [Mersha AG, Bovill M, Eftekhari P, Erku DA, Gould GS. The effectiveness of technology-based interventions for smoking cessation: An umbrella review and quality assessment of systematic reviews.

Attitudes and practices of health care providers towards improving adherence to smoking cessation medications in Australia: A descriptive study

“…The review indicated a slight improvement in medication adherence and long‐term smoking cessation rates in the intervention groups with odds of 1.16 26 . An umbrella review of systematic reviews indicated higher rates of smoking cessation among participants whose quit attempts were supported by multicomponent modalities such as a combination of face‐to‐face counselling, short text messages and internet‐based support 37 …”

“… 26 An umbrella review of systematic reviews indicated higher rates of smoking cessation among participants whose quit attempts were supported by multicomponent modalities such as a combination of face‐to‐face counselling, short text messages and internet‐based support. 37 …”

A Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy of a Psychological Treatment to Quit Smoking Assisted with an App: Study Protocol

“…Similar limitations may be encountered in regard to the characteristics of the users of mHealth Apps [ 52 ]. However, the strengths, such as cost-effectiveness, ease to deliver at a large scale, accessibility, and attractiveness [ 24 ], clearly overpower these limitations.…”

“…These Apps can be classified as standalone general apps for smoking cessation without any face-to-face contact with health-care professionals, or smoking cessation apps that are designed to be used as a complement to face-to-face intervention [ 21 ]. Recent reviews point out that smoking cessation apps combined with face-to-face intervention improve abstinence outcomes [ 24 ]. However, the most increased development has been for standalone self-help Apps, and scarce studies have been conducted to assess the efficacy of a face-to-face treatment combined with an App compared to face-to-face treatment alone.…”

Wirksamkeit von E-Health-Interventionen zur Raucherentwöhnung: Systematische Übersichtsarbeit und Metaanalyse

“…In den letzten 10 Jahren wurde die Wirksamkeit von E-Health-Interventionen zur Raucherentwöhnung in zahlreichen Studien untersucht, allerdings mit uneinheitlichen Ergebnissen [11]. Eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit von 108 Studien aus dem Jahr 2018 fand beispielsweise Hinweise darauf, dass webbasierte und mobile Gesundheitsmaßnahmen (M-Health) die Abstinenzraten moderat erhöhen können, während computergestützte Maßnahmen nicht den gleichen Effekt hatten [12].…”