Capitalizing on a teachable moment: Development of a targeted self-help smoking cessation intervention for patients receiving lung cancer screening

Lauren R Meltzer; Marina Unrod; Vani N Simmons; Karen O Brandon; Bárbara Piñeiro; Amanda M Palmer; Thomas H Brandon

doi:10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.02.014

Capitalizing on a teachable moment: Development of a targeted self-help smoking cessation intervention for patients receiving lung cancer screening

Lung Cancer. 2019 Apr:130:121-127. doi: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.02.014. Epub 2019 Feb 18.

Authors

Lauren R Meltzer¹, Marina Unrod², Vani N Simmons², Karen O Brandon¹, Bárbara Piñeiro³, Amanda M Palmer⁴, Thomas H Brandon⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
² Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
³ Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
⁴ Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
⁵ Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. Electronic address: Thomas.Brandon@Moffitt.org.

Abstract

Objective: The goal of the current study was to develop and examine the feasibility and acceptability of a self-help smoking cessation intervention targeted to the teachable moment of smokers undergoing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening.

Materials and methods: We used a multi-phase qualitative approach, including focus groups (N = 15) and learner verification interviews (N = 16) to develop a targeted intervention for patients receiving a LDCT screening, by extending and modifying a previously validated, self-help intervention. The new intervention was then tested in a feasibility study for acceptability and receptivity by smokers (N = 18) receiving a LDCT screening.

Results: The main themes that emerged from the focus group findings included a need to address the counterproductive thoughts regarding a negative lung screen result, the desire to enjoy a healthy and smoke-free retirement, the need to increase self-efficacy regarding smoking cessation, and the desire to see statistics regarding survival after quitting smoking. Learner verification findings showed that participants responded favorably to most booklet and pamphlet changes. Minor changes were made to improve comprehension and enhance self-efficacy. Formative findings led to the development of a new initial booklet titled, "Lung Cancer Screening & Quitting Smoking: Taking Control of Your Health," as well as modifications of the existing self-help cessation intervention. The intervention was designed to be initiated at the LDCT appointment, prior to receipt of scan results, and with minimal disruption of clinic work-flow. Results from the feasibility study indicated that acceptability and satisfaction with the new intervention were high.

Conclusion: A validated self-help smoking-cessation intervention was modified for smokers receiving LDCT screening for lung cancer based on formative research guided by the teachable moment concept. The new intervention is ready for testing in a randomized controlled trial.

Keywords: Lung cancer screening; Self-help intervention; Smoking cessation intervention; Teachable moment.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cigarette Smoking / adverse effects*
Early Detection of Cancer
Feasibility Studies
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
Lung Neoplasms / prevention & control
Male
Middle Aged
Motivation
Patient Education as Topic
Reimbursement Mechanisms
Self Efficacy
Self-Help Groups*
Smokers
Smoking Cessation / methods*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Grants and funding

P30 CA076292/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States