Pharmacotherapy Use: Telemedicine versus Quitline in Rural Smoking Cessation Trial

Authors: Jamie Hunt, PhD; Angie Leon Salas, MPH; Niaman Nazir, MBBS, MPH; Kimber Richter, PhD, MPH Title: Pharmacotherapy Use in Telemedicine versus Quitline in Rural Smoking Cessation Trial Audience: Tobacco control advocates, public health chronic disease risk reduction practitioners, and clinicians Key Points: Most smokers do not use medications to quit. As part of a broader study comparing video to telephone counseling for smoking cessation, we provided pharmacotherapy guidance to help all participants select and obtain cessation medications. An autonomy-supportive mechanism for facilitating pharmacotherapy use could increase medication use and cessation, especially as coverage rates improve under health care reform. At follow up, 50% used a cessation medication (19% varenicline, 26% NRT, 14% bupropion, 8% combination). Participants in both groups used medication at an increased rate compared to the general population. However, participants in the Telemedicine group were more likely to use medication and to use medications that require a prescription. Guidance could be implemented by quitlines, internet sites, and other population-based cessation programs. Educational Experience: Participants will have access to look over the various forms that were used to in the process of pharmacotherapy guidance. Data will also be displayed on the poster to express the number of participants who used pharmacotherapy, adherence rates of pharmacotherapy, and the out of pocket cost participants incurred. Benefits: The audience will gain expertise in effective guidance for pharmacotherapy. The audience will be able to describe an effective process to increase the uptake of quit smoking medication.