Promoting smoking cessation and preventing relapse to tobacco use following a smokefree mental health in-patient stay: A multi-centre randomised controlled feasibility study.
Petal Petersen Williams, Lisa Huddlestone, Emily Shoesmith et al.
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In 30 seconds
This multicentre, individually randomised feasibility trial assessed a 12-week smoking-cessation support programme for adults who smoked during or after admission to acute mental health wards in six English NHS trusts and wanted to reduce or quit after discharge. Thirty-eight participants were recruited (17 intervention, 21 usual care); retention was 20 (52.6%) at 3 months and 13 (34.2%) at 4–6 months. Recruitment met the prespecified progression threshold, but retention did not, and the intervention was discontinued. Two intervention participants reported maintaining abstinence; motivation to quit remained higher in the intervention group over time.
Key findings
- Recruitment reached 38 participants (60% of target), meeting the prespecified threshold; retention was 52.6% at 3 months and 34.2% at 4–6 months.
- Two intervention participants reported maintaining abstinence; motivation to quit remained higher in the intervention group over time.
- At 4–6 months, e-cigarette use was reported by 76.9% (n = 10) across both groups.
- Participants valued tailored behavioural support but engaged little with the tailored digital tools.
Why it matters
Smoking cessation support after discharge from smokefree mental health wards addresses a period when patients may return to previous smoking behaviours. This feasibility study suggests that personalised support may be valued, but substantial loss to follow-up and limited engagement with digital tools complicate evaluation and delivery. The findings highlight the need to address recruitment, retention and intervention design before a definitive trial can establish effectiveness.
What to keep in mind
The study was a small feasibility trial, and retention fell below the prespecified progression criterion. Smoking outcomes were exploratory and do not establish intervention effectiveness.