A randomized trial compared three ways to deliver a behavioral smoking cessation program using varenicline (Chantix®): by phone, Web, or both. Although phone counseling had greater treatment advantage for early cessation and appeared to increase medication adherence, abstinence outcomes did not differ at six months. The findings suggest the three programs are all effective treatment options when combined with varenicline. Nonprofit scientific research institute SRI International, Group Health Research Institute, and Free & Clear, Inc. conducted the trial, published in the May 2010 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Previous studies had not examined whether combining these services improves outcomes over either method alone.

“Our findings provide important data regarding the real-world use of varenicline and show that a supportive treatment philosophy along with individualized information matter most for long-term smoking cessation success,” said Gary Swan, PhD, director of the Center for Health Sciences at SRI International and lead author of the study. “Any of the programs shows promise as a counseling tool when used in combination with varenicline.”

For more information:
http://sciencetechnologyblog.com/science/web-and-phone-based-counseling-work-well-to-quit-smoking-with-chantix/

Article #3:
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600644/description#description