Although cigarette smoking is the No. 1 preventable cause of death in the US, helping patients quit cannot always be a top priority during health provider visits. Research studies such as Connect2Quit, the federally funded smoking cessation research study at the University of Kansas Medical Center, help providers find a way to fit smoking cessation advice into their busy schedules, without placing an undue burden on their practices. Long term, this study also offers the potential for contributing to improved treatment techniques for other major chronic health concerns, such as obesity or diabetes.
Ten rural clinics throughout Kansas currently are collaborating in Connect2Quit. Program development and daily management comes from the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at KU Medical Center, with interactive video conferencing and technology resources provided by the KU Center for Telemedicine & Telehealth. In the accompanying photograph, Leah Lanbert, MPH, and Alex Perez-Estrada (on screen), both with the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, are demonstrating the telemedicine connection used in the study.
In each of the ten clinics, study participants are randomly assigned to receive counseling sessions delivered through one of two techniques:
In addition to individual counseling, each session includes tips to help participants quit smoking and guidance in considering the need and effective use of medication.
If you or someone you know would like to take part in this study, call 877-992-7848 or 877-992-QUIT to take advantage of this opportunity to help people break the smoking habit. For more information about other telemedicine research or outreach programs at KUCTT, contact Dr. Eve-Lynn Nelson at enelson2@kumc.edu.
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The University of Kansas Medical Center