‘Quitlink’: Outcomes of a randomised controlled trial of peer researcher facilitated referral to a tailored quitline tobacco treatment for people receiving mental health services

Amanda L. Baker, Kristen McCarter, Alyna Turner, Catherine Segan, David Castle, Lisa Brophy, Ron Borland, Peter J. Kelly, Billie Bonevski, Donita Baird, Sacha Filia, John Attia, Stuart Szwec, Kerrin Palazzi, Sarah L. White, Jill M. Williams, Anna L. Wrobel, Andrew Ireland, Karinna Saxby, Peter GhijbenDennis Petrie, Rohan Sweeney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a tailored quitline tobacco treatment (‘Quitlink’) among people receiving support for mental health conditions. 

Methods: We employed a prospective, cluster-randomised, open, blinded endpoint design to compare a control condition to our ‘Quitlink’ intervention. Both conditions received a brief intervention delivered by a peer researcher. Control participants received no further intervention. Quitlink participants were referred to a tailored 8-week quitline intervention delivered by dedicated Quitline counsellors plus combination nicotine replacement therapy. The primary outcome was self-reported 6 months continuous abstinence from end of treatment (8 months from baseline). Secondary outcomes included additional smoking outcomes, mental health symptoms, substance use and quality of life. A within-trial economic evaluation was conducted. 

Results: In total, 110 participants were recruited over 26 months and 91 had confirmed outcomes at 8 months post baseline. There was a difference in self-reported prolonged abstinence at 8-month follow-up between Quitlink (16%, n = 6) and control (2%, n = 1) conditions, which was not statistically significant (OR = 8.33 [0.52, 132.09] p = 0.131 available case). There was a significant difference in favour of the Quitlink condition on 7-day point prevalence at 2 months (OR = 8.06 [1.27, 51.00] p = 0.027 available case). Quitlink costs AU$9231 per additional quit achieved. 

Conclusion: The Quitlink intervention did not result in significantly higher rates of prolonged abstinence at 8 months post baseline. However, engagement rates and satisfaction with the ‘Quitlink’ intervention were high. While underpowered, the Quitlink intervention shows promise. A powered trial to determine its effectiveness for improving long-term cessation is warranted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)260-276
Number of pages17
JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
Volume58
Issue number3
Early online date23 Jun 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2024

Keywords

  • cost analysis
  • mental ill-health
  • peer worker
  • quitline
  • severe mental ill-health
  • smoking cessation
  • telephone counselling
  • Tobacco treatment

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