Technology-based motivational interviewing to help adults quit smoking
Technology Assisted Motivational Interviewing Randomized Controlled Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 440 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (San Francisco, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06713603 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Previous pilot work and other digital motivational interviewing/chatbot interventions have shown promising early results but remain less proven than traditional cessation treatments.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
San Francisco, California and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.