Wear-Smile: A Multidisciplinary Telemedicine-Based Smoking Cessation Program Assisted by Wearable Monitoring Devices...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and disease globally.
• Conventional cessation methods face barriers like accessibility and adherence.
• Technological advancements offer new avenues for smoking cessation interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary telemedicine-based smoking cessation program.
• To assess the integration of wearable remote-monitoring devices in smoking cessation.
• To explore improvements in abstinence rates, patient engagement, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (Wear-Smile project) comparing telemedicine with wearable devices to standard care.
• Participants include adults using combustible, heated tobacco, or electronic nicotine delivery systems.
• Outcomes include continuous and point prevalence abstinence rates at 6 and 12 months, alongside health parameters and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Preliminary evidence suggests potential feasibility and acceptability of the integrated approach.
• The program aims to improve abstinence outcomes and patient engagement.
• Wearable technology integration may enhance continuity of care and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• The Wear-Smile project may demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel telemedicine and wearable device approach for smoking cessation.
• This integrated program shows promise in addressing limitations of traditional interventions.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the long-term impact on public health.