Feasibility of a proactive text messaging intervention for smokers in community health centers.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Few smokers receive evidence-based cessation services during primary care visits. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a proactive text messaging program for primary care patients who smoke.

Methods

We used electronic health records (EHRs) to identify smokers from two Massachusetts community health centers who had a mobile phone number listed. In March 2014-June 2015 patients were screened by their primary care physician then sent a proactive text message inviting them to enroll by texting back. Patients who opted-in were asked about their readiness to quit. The text message program included messages from the QuitNowTXT library and novel content for smokers who were not ready to quit.

Results

Among 949 eligible smokers, 88 (9%) enrolled after receiving a

SUBMITTER: Kruse GR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6261471 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature