Comparative and cost effectiveness of telemedicine versus telephone counseling for smoking cessation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In rural America, cigarette smoking is prevalent and health care providers lack the time and resources to help smokers quit. Telephone quitlines are important avenues for cessation services in rural areas, but they are poorly integrated with local health care resources.

Objective

The intent of the study was to assess the comparative effectiveness and cost effectiveness of two models for delivering expert tobacco treatment at a distance: telemedicine counseling that was integrated into smokers' primary care clinics (Integrated Telemedicine-ITM) versus telephone counseling, similar to telephone quitline counseling, delivered to smokers in their homes (Phone).

Methods

Smokers (n=566) were recruited offline from 20 primary care and safety net clinics across Kan

SUBMITTER: Richter KP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4468596 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature