Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of a Motivational Decision Support System (RCTEDSS)

In this study we will definitively test the decision support system in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) among smokers with severe mental illness (SMI) psychotic disorders. The Specific Aims of the study are: To determine whether use of the web-based decision support system leads to higher rates of initiation of smoking cessation treatment than use of a computerized educational pamphlet. We will also assess effectiveness on secondary outcomes, including smoking behavior, urges and outcome expectancies; level of dependence; intentions to quit and to use cessation treatment; and abstinence. To assess whether cognitive ability moderates initiation of smoking cessation treatment. Since cognitive impairment impedes use of standard web-based interventions by this group, and cognitive impairments likely supersede other potential moderators (education and socioeconomic status), this aim will be key to determining the success of our intervention and will guide further revisions if they are needed. To explore the effects of the decision support system and baseline cognitive ability on abstinence over 6 months We will examine the impact of the DSS on 7-day point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 6 months, and cumulative days of tobacco abstinence over 6 months. We will determine whether baseline cognition (scale scores) is associated with 7-day point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 6 months, and cumulative days of tobacco abstinence over 6 months.

Up to 80% of people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders smoke - a rate that is four times the rate in the general population. Cessation treatments are effective, but these smokers don't use them. In order to provide an easy-to-use, cost-effective strategy to engage this group of smokers into effective treatments, we developed a single-session, web-based, motivational decision support system, Let's Talk About Smoking. The system incorporates features that insure high usability among those who can't use current websites due to cognitive impairments and low computer skills. It provides compelling content that engages users into evidence-based cessation treatments. In this study we will definitively test the decision support system in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) among smokers with severe mental illness (SMI) psychotic disorders. Our proposed study design will enable us to test whether this system, designed for those with cognitive impairments, is effective among people with a range of cognitive abilities. The Specific Aims of the study are: To determine whether use of the web-based decision support system leads to higher rates of initiation of smoking cessation treatment than use of a computerized educational pamphlet. We will also assess effectiveness on secondary outcomes, including smoking behavior, urges and outcome expectancies; level of dependence; intentions to quit and to use cessation treatment; and abstinence. To assess whether cognitive ability moderates initiation of smoking cessation treatment. Since cognitive impairment impedes use of standard web-based interventions by this group, and cognitive impairments likely supersede other potential moderators (education and socioeconomic status), this aim will be key to determining the success of our intervention and will guide further revisions if they are needed. To explore the effects of the decision support system and baseline cognitive ability on abstinence over 6 months We will examine the impact of the DSS on 7-day point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 6 months, and cumulative days of tobacco abstinence over 6 months. We will determine whether baseline cognition (scale scores) is associated with 7-day point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 6 months, and cumulative days of tobacco abstinence over 6 months.

Cessation treatment initiation and engagement will be collected from clinician attendance sheets in the medical record and medical record review for prescriptions. Medication use will be confirmed with self-report of taking medication.

Biologically confirmed abstinence: we will confirm 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 6 month assessments (self-reported abstinence without any smoking, "not even a puff," for the past 7 days,) with expired carbon monoxide (reading ≤9).

Inclusion Criteria: 18-70 years old DSM-IV-TR diagnosis psychotic disorder in treatment at participating mental health center current daily smoker fluent in English physically able to use computer willing and able to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: past 2 weeks use of evidence based cessation treatment psychiatric instability current alcohol or drug dependence pregnant or nursing

De-identified research data files will be made available to all researchers in both the public and private sectors for potential statistical analyses or re-analyses in accordance with the NIH data Sharing Policy: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data sharing. Data will be available 2 years after data collection is completed, or after primary papers have been accepted for publication. Data will only be transferred to other researchers under a signed data sharing agreement. Materials and research data files will be made available, upon request, from the PI. These requests can be made via email (mary.f.brunette@dartmouth.edu).

Investigators wishing to access data will submit a request with an analysis plan, data management plan and data safety plan to the PI. A signed data sharing agreement will be developed prior to release of the data.

Brunette MF, Ferron JC, McGurk SR, Williams JM, Harrington A, Devitt T, Xie H. Brief, Web-Based Interventions to Motivate Smokers With Schizophrenia: Randomized Trial. JMIR Ment Health. 2020 Feb 8;7(2):e16524. doi: 10.2196/16524.