The Influence of Engagement and Satisfaction on Smoking Cessation Interventions: A Qualitative Study

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death. Most smokers are not motivated to quit; however, most smoking cessation interventions are designed for smokers who are ready to take action.

The aim of the present study was to describe participant engagement and satisfaction with telephonic smoking cessation coaching with a population of smokers at different stages of readiness to quit.

Qualitative description was used to capture the experiences of 62 individuals who participated in telephonic smoking cessation coaching using semistructured interviews.

Results indicate that person-centered communication facilitated engagement and was valued equally or more than perceived coach smoking cessation knowledge. Engagement with the intervention was associated with increased satisfaction, smoking cessation/reduction and perceived convenience of intervention. Conclusions/Importance: Findings indicate that unmotivated smokers can be proactively recruited and engaged in telephonic smoking cessation treatment and that person-centered communication and convenience are important variables that should be considered when implementing health interventions. Telephonic coaching has the potential to reach a large segment of the population with access barriers and could lead to important health behavior change. Intensive provider training that includes person-centered communication strategies is strongly recommended. Specific suggestions for successful implementation and dissemination are provided.