Smartband-Based Automatic Smoking Detection and Real-time Mindfulness Intervention: Protocol for a Feasibility Trial

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death.
• Current smartphone smoking cessation apps lack integration with wearable technology and real-time, automated interventions.
• There's a need for innovative digital tools to enhance smoking cessation success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the feasibility of a novel intervention using smartbands and smartphones for smoking cessation.
• To evaluate the real-time monitoring, detection, and intervention delivery capabilities of the integrated system.
• To assess the potential of mindfulness interventions triggered by smoking events or predictions.

Main Methods:

• A 60-day pilot trial involving 100 daily smokers (≥5 cigarettes/day).
• Participants wore a smartband for smoking detection and received real-time notifications and mindfulness exercises.
• A three-step intervention included awareness building, mindful smoking, and RAIN (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Non-identification) exercises post-quit date.

Main Results:

• Recruitment and data collection are ongoing, with final results anticipated in April 2022.
• Feasibility outcomes include treatment fidelity, adherence, and acceptability.
• Secondary outcomes focus on smoking rates at the end of the treatment period.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide crucial data on the feasibility of a smartband-smartphone intervention for smoking cessation.
• Findings will inform whether this integrated approach warrants further investigation and larger clinical trials.
• This technology holds promise for improving smoking cessation support through real-time, personalized interventions.