Effect of incorporating a 10 minute point of care test for salivary nicotine metabolites into a general practice based smoking cessation programme: randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of immediate feedback from a point of care test for salivary nicotine metabolites in promoting smoking cessation and reduction in tobacco use.


METHODS
Prospective, operator blinded, randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
General dental practice, London.


METHODS
100 adult smokers.


METHODS
Participants completed a questionnaire on smoking, undertook a clinical examination, and received counselling in smoking cessation. Saliva samples were analysed at presentation and at eight weeks for salivary nicotine metabolites using a 10 minute semiquantitative point of care test.


METHODS
Smoking cessation measured by salivary nicotine metabolite values (scale 0-6), patient feedback on the perceived value of the test (visual analogue scale) in quitting, and reduction in tobacco use.


RESULTS
A higher smoking quit rate was achieved with the point of care test (23% cases v 7% controls; P < 0.039), and overall tobacco use also decreased (68% cases v 28% controls; P < 0.001). Baseline values for salivary nicotine metabolites did not differ between the groups (cases, mean 4.1, SD 1.3 and 4.3, 1.4; P = 0.51). 87 participants reattended at eight weeks (44 cases, 43 controls). Mean nicotine metabolite values at eight weeks were 2.58 (2.0) for cases and 4.29 (1.8) for controls (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Incorporation of individualised personal feedback using a point of care test for salivary nicotine metabolites into a general practice based smoking cessation programme increased quit rates by 17% at eight weeks and reduced tobacco use.
Barnfather
Kristian D
KD
General Practice, 6 Harcourt House, London W1G 0PN.
Cope
Graham F
GF
Chapple
Iain L
IL
D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D003729:Dental Care; D006801:Humans; D009538:Nicotine / Q000378:metabolism*; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009538:Nicotine