AN INTERACTIVE VIDEODISC-BASED SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM - PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT AND PILOT TEST

The development and pilot testing of an interactive videodisc-based sm oking cessation program (IVD-SCP) are described. Designed for use in o utpatient medical settings, the IVD-SCP was created in response to the need for efficacious, low-cost alternatives for assisting physicians in delivering smoking cessation interventions. Based on a successful i ntervention that utilized a linear video and nurse-counselor, the syst em takes advantage of the ''teachable moment'' that occurs when a phys ician advises a patient to stop smoking. After receiving a brief (30-s ) message on the advisability of stopping smoking, the patient is dire cted by the physician to use the IVD-SCP Only a touchscreen monitor an d printer are visible. Activated by a touch on the screen, the system presents a complete intervention, tailored to the individual user's ch aracteristics and needs, and ends by printing a personalized quit plan . Pilot-tested with 27 patients in family practice medical offices, th e IVD-SCP was well received by patients. Ratings of the system's utili ty and ease of use were high, and 70% of the users set quit dates, alt hough none were abstinent at 3 months postintervention.