The INITIATE Study: Initiating Nicotine Dependence Treatment for Smokers Admitted to Emergency Departments

Launched by OTTAWA HEART INSTITUTE RESEARCH CORPORATION · Nov 13, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The INITIATE Study is a clinical trial aimed at helping smokers who visit emergency departments (ED) to quit smoking for the long term. This study is testing a special program that includes support and incentives to encourage smokers to stop using tobacco. Quitting smoking can significantly improve health and reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease, lung problems, and various cancers. With millions of smokers visiting Canadian EDs each year, this trial seeks to provide effective support in a setting where it’s often lacking.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and currently smoke at least five cigarettes a day. You should also be able to read and understand English or French and live in Ontario. If you join, you'll receive follow-up support over the next two years to help you stay smoke-free. This study is particularly important because it aims to make quitting easier for smokers by addressing common challenges like cost and motivation in busy healthcare environments. Your participation could contribute to improving health outcomes for many smokers in Canada.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Current daily smoker (smokes ≥ 5 cigarettes per day);
• • ≥ 18 years of age (the age of majority in Ontario);
• • For ED sites only, assigned a CTAS level of 2-5 (emergent to non-urgent);
• • Able to read and understand English or French;
• • Resides in Ontario and eligible for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (to permit linkage with administrative data housed at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences \[ICES\]);
• • Available and willing to participate in follow-up assessments over the next 24 months;
• • Has access to a telephone or computer;
• • Able to provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Currently participating in this or another smoking cessation study;
• • For ED sites only, assigned a CTAS level of 1 (resuscitation - the most seriously ill patients with highest likelihood of hospital admission) or in psychiatric emergency unit;
• • Pregnant, planning to become pregnant over the next 2 years, or breastfeeding;
• • Has morbid illness which will prevent completion of 26-week follow-up (e.g., receiving palliative care);
• • In the opinion of the attending physician, manifests acute physical and/or psychiatric illness or has cognitive impairment that would preclude participation in/benefit from the intervention.
• • Scheduled for a known elected surgery, procedure, or future hospitalization during the study period.