Quit Card Intervention for Cigarette Addiction
(INITIATE Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The INITIATE Study is a randomized controlled trial that is testing an intervention designed to increase long-term abstinence among tobacco smokers seen in emergency departments (ED) and other high-volume hospital and community ambulatory care settings. The intervention includes a behavioural incentive and tailored follow-up support on long-term smoking abstinence, health, healthcare utilization, and cost. Tobacco-related illnesses cost the healthcare system millions each year. Quitting smoking improves smoking-related outcomes, like the onset or management of heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, and several cancers. There are approximately 16 million visits to Canadian EDs each year; an estimated 3-4 million of these involve smokers. Effective quit smoking interventions exist, but are underutilized. Few hospital EDs, community healthcare centers, and other inpatient and outpatient clinics in Canada offer tobacco-use interventions. In order for clinicians to offer quit smoking support, interventions need to be simple given the realities of these high-volume environments. Considering that stopping smoking improves health outcomes, that tobacco-use is an important cause of preventable ED use, and the volume of smokers, Canadian EDs and other high-volume hospital and community ambulatory care settings are a missed opportunity in the initiation of quit smoking support. Our intervention has been designed to optimize uptake and smoking abstinence by including the most effective evidence-based behavioural and drug-related approaches, removing specific barriers and challenges that smokers face when trying to quit (e.g., affordability, low confidence and motivation), while packaging the intervention in a quick-to-initiate manner, making it ideal for fast-paced, complex environments.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on smoking cessation, so it's best to discuss your medications with the study team or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the Quit Card Intervention treatment for cigarette addiction?
Research shows that personalized smoking cessation programs with extended support and follow-up can be effective, with quit rates approaching 20%. Additionally, combining brief interventions with motivational interviews and pharmacotherapy can improve cessation rates, suggesting that comprehensive approaches like the Quit Card Intervention may be beneficial.12345
Is the Quit Card Intervention for cigarette addiction safe for humans?
How is the Quit Card Intervention treatment different from other smoking cessation treatments?
The Quit Card Intervention (QCI) is unique because it may incorporate elements from tobacco quitlines (QLs), which provide counseling and support for quitting smoking. Unlike standard treatments that might focus solely on medication, QCI could involve personalized support and education, potentially making it more accessible and tailored to individual needs.710111213
Research Team
Kerri-Anne Mullen, PhD
Principal Investigator
Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for daily smokers aged 18+ in Ontario who smoke at least 5 cigarettes a day, are not critically ill, and can follow up for two years. They must have health insurance, access to phone or computer, understand English or French, and be able to consent.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a behavioural incentive and tailored follow-up support to increase long-term smoking abstinence
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for smoking abstinence, health-related quality of life, and healthcare utilization
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Quit Card Intervention (QCI)
Quit Card Intervention (QCI) is already approved in Canada for the following indications:
- Smoking cessation support
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation
Lead Sponsor
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator