Is Integrating Online Stop Smoking Support to Existing Online Talking Therapy Support Feasible?

Background: Smoking prevalence in the UK among people with common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, is over double that found in the general population. Quitting smoking can however improve mental health, similar to effects found from anti-depressants. In England, online psychological therapy is a standard treatment for depression and anxiety and potentially a setting for smoking cessation support; however, integrated smoking and mental health support is not available. This novel, pragmatic, online, randomised controlled feasibility study aims to determine if it is acceptable and practical to have a fully automated online smoking cessation support nested into existing Silvercloud Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) platform.
Methods: Those accessing online psychological therapy services who are over 18 years of age, and who smoke, are eligible to take part. Smokers are randomised to the control or intervention arm. Smokers in the control arm receive usual online psychological therapy care and are signposted to stop smoking information, at the end of the trial. Smokers in the intervention arm are supported to quit smoking by enaging in the smoking modules, which is the automated online evidence based intervention. The intervention contains behavioural support and psychoeducation. This takes the form of exercises, quizzes, and videos designed to; correct mistaken beliefs about smoking and its impact on mental health; and focus on the habitual nature of smoking. The education materials also instruct the participants in the use of mindfulness to bring the unconscious aspects of the smoking habits into awareness, and, through mindfulness, become more aware of what triggers their cravings. Outcome measures include engagement with the smoking cessation intervention, quit smoking attempts, and measures of anxiety and depression.
Results: The Trial has recruited 310 participants from 13 research sites across England. Data will be presented on recruitment and retention rates, follow up completion rates and the extent to which participants engaged with the other feasibility metrics.
Conclusions: This is the first trial investigating if it is practical and worthwhile to embed online stop smoking support within and existing online Talking Therapy Services platform. This trial will produce important data on the feasibility and acceptability of this approach.