Using touch-screen technology to assess smoking in a low-income primary care clinic: a pilot study

This pilot study examined the use of a touch-screen tablet personal computer to assess smoking and alcohol use among low-income primary care patients (N = 100) and tested cross-method consistency with a paper assessment. Data were collected in 2009. A touch-screen survey assessed smoking, alcohol use, partner smoking, and acceptability. A separate paper survey assessed smoking, partner smoking, and acceptability. The touch-screen assessment was highly acceptable and reliable. Implications and limitations are noted. Future research should explore the use of touch-screen technology for clinical endeavors requiring a quick assessment of substance use. There was no outside funding for this study.