Two recent studies look at whether mobile phone text messaging applications can help people quit smoking, Fierce Mobile Healthcare reports.
A George Washington University study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine examined how closely 47 apps adhere to the U.S. Public Health Service's 2008 Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. The study concluded that the smoking cessation apps were ineffective, with most apps receiving a grade of less than 10 on a 60-point scale.
However, a University of Oregon study published in the journal Health Psychology found that a series of eight anti-smoking text messages per day over a three week period was highly effective in stimulating the parts of the brain that fight cravings.
The researchers wrote, "Text messaging may be an ideal delivery mechanism for tailored interventions because it is low-cost, most people already possess the existing hardware and the messages can be delivered near-instantaneously" (Jackson [1], Fierce Mobile Healthcare, 3/11).
Text Message Service for Patients With Epilepsy
In related news, preliminary data from the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery show that epilepsy patients in the United Kingdom who regularly receive text messages better manage their epilepsy, have fewer seizures, take better care of their general health and report greater satisfaction with hospital services, Fierce Mobile Healthcare reports.
Anthony Linklater -- an epilepsy specialist nurse at the hospital -- said, "We are continuing to collect feedback from people using this service, and it is beginning to become clear that improvements in adherence are resulting in better seizure control and less use of emergency medical services for some."
Currently, only about 50 patients receive the text message service, but hospital officials said they are looking for additional funding to expand the program, as well as to add an electronic diary function (Jackson [2], Fierce Mobile Healthcare, 3/11).