Using a digital coach to help people quit smoking
Full Scale Randomized Trial of an Innovative Conversational Agent for Smoking Cessation
This study is testing a new digital coach that chats with people trying to quit smoking, offering personalized support and encouragement to help them stay on track and succeed better than with regular text messages.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10813174 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a new conversational agent designed to support individuals in quitting smoking. By utilizing advanced technologies like machine learning and natural language processing, the digital coach engages users in therapeutic conversations, providing personalized support and advice. The goal is to improve user engagement and quit rates compared to traditional text messaging interventions. Participants will interact with the agent to set goals and receive timely encouragement throughout their cessation journey.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 21 who are current smokers and seeking assistance to quit.
Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in quitting smoking or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve smoking cessation rates and reduce smoking-related health issues.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using technology for smoking cessation, but the use of conversational agents is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bricker, Jonathan B — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Bricker, Jonathan B
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.