The INITIATE Study: Initiating Nicotine Dependence Treatment for Smokers Admitted to Emergency Departments
The INITIATE Study is looking into new ways to help people stop smoking, especially those who visit hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments or other busy clinics. Smoking-related illnesses cause serious health problems and cost a lot of money. While there are good ways to help people quit, they aren't always used. This study wants to find out if a simple programme, which includes a 'Quit Card' and ongoing support, can help more smokers quit for good. It's designed to be quick and easy for healthcare staff to offer, making it possible to provide support in busy environments. The aim is to improve people's health by helping them stop smoking.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The INITIATE Study is trying to find the best ways to help people stop smoking, especially those who come into busy places like hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments or other clinics. We know that smoking is very harmful to your health and can lead to serious problems like heart disease, strokes, lung conditions, and various cancers. Smoking also puts a big strain on our healthcare system.
While there are many good tools and methods to help people quit smoking, they're not always used in healthcare settings, especially in busy ones. This study aims to fill that gap. Researchers have created a special programme that includes a 'Quit Card' and ongoing support to help people stop smoking for the long term. The idea is to make this support easy for doctors and nurses to offer, even when they're very busy.
By helping more people quit smoking, this study hopes to improve the health of many individuals. It also aims to reduce the number of people needing to visit A&E for conditions that are made worse by smoking, ultimately making our healthcare resources work better for everyone.
Key takeaways
- The study helps smokers in busy hospital settings like A&E.
- It tests a simple programme including a 'Quit Card' and support.
- The goal is to help people stop smoking for the long term.
- Quitting smoking greatly improves health and reduces disease risk.
- Participation involves follow-up checks over 12 months.
- You can stop taking part at any time without affecting your care.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and currently smoke at least 5 cigarettes every day. You should also be able to read and understand English. If you're coming through an Accident & Emergency department, your condition shouldn't be life-threatening or require immediate resuscitation.
You also need to live in Ontario, Canada, and be covered by their health insurance plan. This is so researchers can safely link your information to health records to see how you're doing over time. You must be willing to take part in follow-up checks for the next 12 months and have access to a phone or computer to do so.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you're already in another study about quitting smoking, are pregnant or planning to be, or are breastfeeding. You also can't join if you have a very serious illness that would prevent you from taking part for the full 26 weeks, or if your doctor thinks you're too unwell or have memory problems that would make it hard to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years or older?
- Do you smoke at least 5 cigarettes a day?
- Can you read and understand English?
- Are you willing to participate in follow-up appointments for 12 months?
- Are you not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Are you not already in another stop-smoking study?
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you'll be randomly assigned to either receive the special 'Quit Card' programme or to a group that receives standard care. The 'Quit Card' programme involves getting a card with information and resources, along with follow-up support to help you quit smoking. Researchers will check in with you over the next 12 months to see how you're doing, focusing on whether you've quit smoking, your general health, and your use of healthcare services. The total duration of your participation in the study, with follow-up, will be 12 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- Civic HospitalVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada· Recruiting
- General HospitalVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada· Recruiting
- Riverside HospitalVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada· Recruiting
- University of Ottawa Heart InstituteVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'Quit Card'?
A 'Quit Card' is likely a simple resource or tool that provides information and directs you to support services to help you stop smoking.
Will I have to take new medicine?
The study description mentions 'drug-related approaches' as part of the intervention, but it doesn't specify if you'll be required to take new medicines. This would be discussed with you if you join.
How long does the study last?
The study involves follow-up for 12 months from when you start.
What happens if I decide to quit the study?
You can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.
Is my personal information kept private?
Yes, research studies have strict rules about keeping your personal information confidential and secure. Your health data will be managed in a way that respects your privacy.
How to find out more
Chantelle Masterson, BPhil
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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