Motivational interviewing in an ordinary clinical setting: a controlled clinical trial at the Swedish National Tobacco Quitline

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aimed to assess the effect of adding motivational interviewing (MI) to the first session of an effective smoking cessation treatment protocol in an ordinary clinical setting: the Swedish National Tobacco Quitline (SNTQ).

Method: The study was designed as a controlled clinical trial. Between September 2005 and October 2006, 772 clients accepted the invitation to participate in the study and were semi-randomised to either standard treatment (ST) or MI. The primary outcome measures were self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence and 6-month continuous abstinence.

Results: At 12-month follow-up, the 772 clients were included in an intention to treat analysis. Of the clients allocated to MI, 57/296 (19%) reported 6-month continuous abstinence compared to 66/476 (14%) of the clients allocated to ST (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.00-2.19; P=.047).

Conclusions: Integrating MI into a cognitive behavioural therapy-based smoking cessation counselling in an ordinary clinical setting at a tobacco quitline increased client 6-month continuous abstinence rates by 5%.