Texting to Promote Tobacco Abstinence in Emergency Department Smokers: A Pilot Study

Texting to Promote Tobacco Abstinence in Emergency Department Smokers: A Pilot Study

This is a pilot study to test the feasibility of conducting a text based smoking cessation trial with Emergency Department patients who are smokers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• have smoked >= 100 cigarettes lifetime
• describe themselves as every or some day smokers
• are able to give written informed consent
• reside in Connecticut
• own a cell phone with texting capability.

Exclusion Criteria:

• inability to read or understand English
• currently receiving formal tobacco dependence treatment
• current use of tobacco cessation products (patch, gum, inhaler, nasal spray, lozenge, e-cigarette)
• currently using Zyban (bupropion), Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Chantix (varenicline) for smoking cessation
• current suicide or homicide risk
• current psychotic disorder
• life-threatening or unstable medical or psychiatric condition
• does not have phone with CT area code and with texting capability
• lacks capacity to give informed consent
• leaving the ED against medical advice
• pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive
• incarcerated
• resides in an extended care facility