APPENDIX.

Interactive voice response: Questions and responses

1a) “Are you [patient’s name]?”

If “yes” to 1a:

2a) “Have you smoked any cigarettes, even a puff, since you left the hospital?”

If “no” to 2a:

3a) “On a scale of 1–10, with 10 being the most confident, how confident are you that you will remain a non-smoker?”

If self-efficacy 7 or >:

4. “What quit method are you using? Nicoting patch, gum or inhaler; Zyban (Biovail Pharmaceuticals, Canada); Self-help books; Counselling, such as telephone quit lines or web sites; e. Any other method.”

5. “Thank you and congratulations. Remaining smoke-free is the most important thing you can do to positively affect your heart health! We will be calling again in 11 days. If you need any assistance, please feel free to call the Smoking Cessation Nurse Counsellor at 798-5555.”

If self-efficacy <7:

3b) “Thank you. We know how difficult it can be to remain smoke-free. The Smoking Cessation Nurse Counsellor will be calling you within the next 48 hours to help you deal with any difficulties you may be experiencing. If you would like to speak with the Smoking Cessation Nurse Counsellor earlier, please call 798-5555.”

If “no” to 1a:

1b) “Thank you. We would like to reach [patient’s name]. We will try again ______. If [patient’s name] should like to contact us, we can be reached at _______.”

If “yes” to 2a:

2b) “How many cigarettes per day are you smoking?”

2c) “Do you want to quit?”

If “no” to 2c:

2d) “We understand that you are not ready to quit right now. Things can change and should you need any information on how to quit or support during this process, please do not hesitate to call the Smoking Cessation Nurse Counsellor at 798-5555.”

If “yes” to 2c:

2e) “Do you want to quit within the next week?”

If “yes” to 2e:

2f) “Great! Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to positively affect your heart health! Our Smoking Cessation Nurse Counsellor will be calling you within 48 hours to help you develop a plan. Please don’t hesitate to call should you wish to speak with the Smoking Cessation Nurse Counsellor at any time. The number to call is 798-5555.”

If “no” to 2e:

2g) “We understand you are not ready right now. Please do not increase the number of cigarettes you are now smoking. We will be calling again in 11 days to see how you are doing. Please don’t hesitate to call the Smoking Cessation Nurse Counsellor at any time should you feel you need support or information at 798-5555.”