| Methods |
RCT to compare four conditions. Assessments on three occasions: baseline, 6 and 12 months. |
| Participants |
923 patients (aged 20‐60) who were smokers free of a life‐threatening disease recruited by 44 GPs. Therapists: 44 GPs. |
| Interventions |
T1 (n:275) = repeated counselling (RC) (use of brochure, reinforcement antismoking message), 5 sessions (duration?) in 9 months.
T2 (n:294) = RC plus prescription of nicotine gum.
T3 (n:292) = RC plus spirometric test, results discussed by GP.
C (n:62) = minimal intervention (counselling and use of brochure), 1 session. Therapists received 2 3‐hr training sessions (introduction counselling techniques), 40% of GPs attended both sessions. Supervision of therapists unknown. |
| Outcomes |
12 month follow‐up: No sign. differences between groups on % biochemically verified quitters, overall low quit rates (4.8‐7.5%). |
| Notes |
non‐compliance:
approx. 66% attended less than 4 sessions.
withdrawal: total N=129/923.
integrity check: GP compliance with treatment protocol: RC=67.3%; RC+gum=92.5%; RC+spiro=83.7%; MI=75%. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Low risk |
A ‐ Adequate |
