Table 3.

Selected interactions between participants and the tobacco treatment specialist related to NRT management

Themes	Interactions
Enthusiasm	Male, 31 years old: Hi! I already started with the patches. It feels good that I have not smoked anything today. Tobacco treatment specialist: Congratulations, [Name]! Remember you can text me if you have any questions. Keep on going!
	Male, 39 years old: Yes, today I am starting the patches! We will do it! Tobacco treatment specialist: Awesome, [Name]! Please text me if you have any questions.
Instructions	Male, 26 years old: What is the best time to start using the patch? Tobacco treatment specialist: [Name], we recommend to wear the patch as soon as you wake up. Please text me if you have any questions.
	Male, 34 years old: I have a question, my arm started to sweat and my patch fell off. I tried to place it back on my arm but it would not stay put. Should I apply another one? Tobacco treatment specialist: [Name], you can use medical tape to keep the patch in place. Please text me if you have any other questions.
	Female, 37 years old: Hello! I was running out of my house today and forgot to put the patch on, will something happen? Should I wear it on my way home or wait until tomorrow? Thank you. Tobacco treatment specialist: [Name], we recommend you wear the patch all day long. Is there a way you can get a patch at work? Female, 37 years old: No, I live too far from work and I have no one to bring me the patch. I do have some anxiety but I will try my best to not give in since I have not smoked all week. Tobacco treatment specialist: Keep strong, [Name]! Remember you can text the keyword Crave for an immediate tip, and make sure to put a patch on as soon as you get home.
	Male, 36 years old: I don’t know if this is a psychological thing, but I feel different with the level 2 patches (14 mg patches). I feel like the patches are not working for me. Tobacco treatment specialist: [Name], it is normal to feel different with a lower dose of nicotine. We are lowering the dose of nicotine so that your body gets used to less and less nicotine until you don’t need it anymore.
	Male, 27 years old: When using the patches, will I need to maintain any specific diet or restrict from consuming any alcohol? Tobacco treatment specialist: It is best to stay away from alcohol during the first few weeks after quitting smoking. It will allow you to reduce the temptations and keep your head clear to focus on your quit plan.
Side effects	Female, 30 years old: Hi, I have a lot of itchiness where I put the patch on. Is that normal? Tobacco treatment specialist: [Name], try using the patch in different areas. Make sure the skin area is clean, dry, and hairless. If the itching continues, you can apply an over-the-counter antihistamine cream.
	Female, 37 years old: The patches give me insomnia. Hopefully I can rest well tonight. Tobacco treatment specialist: [Name], you can take the patch off before sleeping. Remember to put on a new one in the morning.