iQuit in practice: a study to examine a personalised web-and text message programme to support smoking cessation in Primary Care
Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, but it is often hard to do alone. The iQuit clinical trial is testing a new way to support people through their GP surgery. Researchers want to see if combining standard NHS stop-smoking care with tailored text messages and a personal website makes quitting easier. Half of the people taking part will get standard NHS stop-smoking support, while the other half will also get the tailored digital program sent directly to their mobile phones. The study is open to smokers aged 18 to 75 who want to set a date to quit within two weeks. By taking part, people can try a fresh approach to stopping smoking while helping the NHS learn how to offer better digital support in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, leading to heart disease, lung conditions, and many types of cancer. While millions of people want to stop, nicotine is strongly addictive, and quitting can be a tough journey. Many people find that getting regular encouragement and the right advice makes a huge difference in staying smoke-free.
This study, called 'iQuit in practice', aims to find out if modern technology can give smokers that extra boost. Researchers have created a system that sends tailored text messages and provides personalised web advice to guide people through their quit attempt. Because the support is designed around each person's habits and needs, it aims to offer help right when cravings strike.
To see how well this works, the trial is running in primary care clinics across the UK. It compares the new digital system alongside standard care against standard care alone. The results will help doctors understand whether digital tools are a practical, low-cost way to help more people successfully quit smoking across the country.
Key takeaways
- Tests a personalised text and website system to help people quit smoking.
- Open to smokers aged 18 to 75 who want to set a quit date within 14 days.
- Compares the digital support tool against standard GP stop-smoking care.
- Does not involve testing any new experimental medicines.
- You can leave the study at any time without affecting your normal healthcare.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged between 18 and 75 who currently smoke cigarettes (having smoked in the past week) and genuinely want to quit. You need to be ready to choose a quit date within two weeks of joining the study. You also need to have your own mobile phone, know how to send and receive text messages, and be able to read English.
You cannot take part if you are already in another stop-smoking study or program. You also cannot join if you are currently using stop-smoking medications, such as nicotine patches, gum, Zyban, or Champix, when you sign up.
Living with common long-term conditions like diabetes or COPD does not rule you out, as long as your GP agrees you are well enough to take part. However, if your doctor feels you are too unwell or if you have severe memory or learning difficulties, this trial may not be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am between 18 and 75 years old.
- I have smoked cigarettes within the last 7 days.
- I want to stop smoking and can set a quit date within the next 2 weeks.
- I own a mobile phone and can send and read text messages.
- I am not currently using stop-smoking medications like patches, Champix, or Zyban.
What does participation involve?
If you join the trial, you will be placed into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group receives the usual stop-smoking support provided by their GP surgery. The other group receives this usual care plus the iQuit program, which includes tailored text messages and access to a personalised website.
You will agree on a date to stop smoking within 14 days of starting. You will need to complete short questionnaires about your smoking habits and health. Because the program uses text messages, much of the support happens directly on your phone as you go about your daily routine.
There are no new trial medicines to take as part of this study. Researchers will check in with you over the coming weeks and months to see how you are doing with your quit attempt and to measure whether the digital messages were helpful.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- General Practice & Primary Care Research UnitUnverifiedCambridge, England
Common questions
Do I have to pay to receive the text messages?
No, taking part in the trial will not cost you anything, and standard study texts are sent at no charge to you.
Can someone else in my home take part too?
Yes. If another smoker in your household wants to join, you can both take part and will be placed in the same group.
What is 'usual care' for stopping smoking?
Usual care means the standard advice, appointments, and support normally offered by your GP surgery or local stop-smoking service.
Can I use nicotine patches during the study?
You must not be using them when you first join, but you can discuss using stop-smoking aids with your GP or nurse as part of your quit plan.
What happens if I slip up and smoke a cigarette?
Slip-ups can happen when trying to quit. You will not be thrown off the study, and being honest helps researchers understand real-world quitting.
How to find out more
Stephen Sutton
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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