Technology-based motivational interviewing to help adults quit smoking
Official title: Technology Assisted Motivational Interviewing Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of California, San Francisco · NCT06713603 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try a chatbot-based motivational interviewing coach to help adult primary care patients who smoke become ready to quit and create a personalized quit plan.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 440 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (San Francisco, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 22, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06713603 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adult primary care patients who smoke at least one cigarette per day, have a digital device, are moderately proficient in English, are not currently using cessation medications or programs, and can engage for six months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients already enrolled in a smoking cessation program, currently using nicotine replacement or pharmacotherapy, lacking a compatible digital device, or with cognitive impairment that prevents consent are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The intervention uses a technology-assisted motivational interviewing (TAMI) chatbot combined with digital coaching to increase readiness to quit, deliver multilingual education about cessation tools, and create tailored quit plans that address social barriers to treatment. Eligible participants are adult primary care patients who smoke at least one cigarette per day, have a digital device, and can participate over six months. The program is delivered remotely through the chatbot and supplemental digital materials, with follow-up to support initiation and sustainment of cessation strategies. The design builds on prior pilot work and emphasizes scalability and accessibility for diverse patient populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could increase motivation to quit, improve use of effective cessation tools, and make quitting support widely accessible through a scalable digital coach.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot work and other digital motivational interviewing/chatbot interventions have shown promising early results but remain less proven than traditional cessation treatments.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A current Primary Care Provider patient * Age 18 or older * Smoke at least 1 cigarette per day for the past 7 consecutive days (and at least 100 lifetime) * Have a digital device (phone, laptop, tablet) * Moderately proficient in English * Able to participate for 6-month trial Exclusion Criteria: * Current participation in a smoking cessation program * Current use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy or smoking cessation pharmacotherapy * Cognitive impairment that would preclude informed consent
Where it's running
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San Francisco General Hospital
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting -
UCSF Adult Primary Care Mt. Zion Clinic
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Satterfield, PhD — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Jason Satterfield, PhD
- Email: Jason.Satterfield@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 415-353-2104
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.