SHARPISH - A randomised controlled trial of self-help materials for the prevention of smoking relapse
| Author(s)
Professor Fujian Song, Vivienne Maskrey and Annie Blyth
| | Presenter(s) |
Annie Blyth Research Associate / Trial Co-ordinator, Norwich Medical School, Univeristy of East Anglia |
Katie McGoldrick Team Leader, Smokefree Norfolk, Norwich | Abstract Background: NHS Stop Smoking services are cost-effective at helping smokers stop smoking, but 75% of 4-week quitters return to smoking regularly between 4 and 52 weeks, and currently no specific interventions are recommended in the guidelines. An exploratory meta-analysis found that coping skills training may reduce smoking relapse in one week quitters.
Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a set of eight booklets (called Forever Free) designed for the prevention of smoking relapse in 4 week quitters.
Methods and design: The study is a NIHR funded RCT which will recruit 1,400 verified 4-week quitters (700 in each arm) from Stop Smoking Services (by Advisors) over 21 months, with phone follow-ups at 3 and 12 months post quit. The participants are randomly allocated to an intervention arm (posted the Forever Free booklets) and the control arm (the current NHS leaflet). The primary outcome is prolonged abstinence from smoking between 4-12 months (confirmed by CO<10ppm at 12 months); secondary outcomes are point 7-day self-report point prevalence abstinence at 3 months, EQ-5D and resource use.
Progress so far: 373 participants have been recruited, and 279 followed up at 2 months (95% follow up).
| Presenter biography Annie Blyth has been a medical researcher for 11 years, and has worked on many randomised controlled studies, in a variety of areas, including asthma, COPD, pain, substance abuse and smoking cessation. She also undertakes qualitative research and mixed method studies and is currently co-ordinating two studies - SHARPISH: a large HTA-funded RCT looking at smoking relapse prevention, and MINA: a project which is looking at the management of minor ailments.
Katie McGoldrick is the Team Leader in Smokefree Norfolk, working with a team of dedicated specialist Stop Smoking advisors all over the county to support people who want to become smokefree. She has been committed to helping people give up smoking for 11 years in Norfolk, and previously worked in London as a Health Visitor and also among homeless people with addiction and mental health issues. Her excellent work in smoking cessation was recognised when she was awarded 'Stop Smoking Advisor of the Decade' at the East of England 10th Anniversary Stop Smoking Service Awards.
| Source of funding: National Institute for Health Research, Health Technology Assessment programme
| Declaration of interest: None
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