Utilization of services in a randomized trial testing phone- and web-based interventions for smoking cessation Many service providers now offer different treatment modalities for cessation, such as phone-only, Web-only, or a combination of the two. This study represents the first time these three treatment modalities have been systematically compared for effectiveness. Understanding how utilization varies by mode and how the mode of utilization impacts outcomes could lead to improved treatment. Read more
Cost-effectiveness of Varenicline and Three Different Behavioral Treatment Formats for Smoking Cessation Proactive telephone counseling (PTC) and Web-based delivery of health information are both popular and widely available modes of delivery of behavioral counseling for smoking cessation. The combination of PTC and Web-based delivery could result in higher cessation rates than either method alone, but the efficacy of these combined treatments in conjunction with pharmacotherapy has not been adequately documented. Alere Wellbeing (formerly known as Free & Clear, Inc.), Group Health Research Institute, and SRI International collaborated on a clinical trial to compare the relative effectiveness of three behavioral programs for tobacco cessation in conjunction with varenicline pharmacotherapy. Read more
Trajectories of Cigarettes per Day During the Course of Telephone Tobacco Cessation Counseling Services: A Comparison of Missing Data Models This collaboration between Alere Wellbeing and Dr. Katie Witkiewitz of the University of Washington examined the smoking trajectories of 2041 participants in a phone counseling program. Read more
Differences between personal characteristics that make men and women more or less likely to quit smoking To research the differences between women who quit and compare them to differences between men who quit, the researchers leveraged the results of a study examining effectiveness of bupropion SR (a medication) combined with different levels of counseling. Read more
A review of smoking cessation interventions for smokers aged 50 and older There is a unique need to understand the impact of tobacco cessation interventions on smokers aged 50 and above since this population is at heightened risk for health concerns. This is especially important considering the growing number of individuals aged 50 and above who smoke and the impact this may have on our health systems. The majority of studies that examined this group have been population studies. Alere Wellbeing conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of cessation interventions for smokers aged 50 and above. Read more
Panasonic Corporation of North America Case Study Sixty-eight percent of Panasonic employees who participate in benefits programs took a health risk assessment last year. Of that 68 percent, 36 percent of employees and covered spouses/domestic partners reported using tobacco. A relatively high rate of tobacco use and a company philosophy of social responsibility were the catalysts for Panasonic's implementation of a policy and programs designed to help employees quit. Read more