Report of two smoking cessation programs: telephone intervention and group sessions

Matthew Thornton Health Plan (MTHP) offered two separate smoking cessation programs within the HMO setting. The two programs, telephone intervention with self-help materials and group counseling/education sessions, were evaluated over a 12-month period: both programs allowed members (n = 226) the option of choosing nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). As an incentive, MTHP reimbursed members who were successful quitters at 6 months for the NRT or offered them a $50 savings bond. At 12 months, cessation rates for both groups were at or above 30% except among patients participating in group counseling/education and not receiving NRT where quit rates were about 20%. Though not a controlled research project, results suggest that active HMO intervention in smoking cessation can be successful. In these programs, the combination of behavioral support and a reimbursement plan were associated with high quit rates.