Text Messaging to Engage and Retain Veterans in Smoking Cessation Counseling

This is the first randomization (text to engage vs. mailed notice). Patients randomized to this condition will receive up to 8 text messages prior to the first counseling phone call to provide education regarding cessation treatment.

Two weeks following receipt of the letter (PrO condition) or upon completion of the engagement text messages (Text-to-Engage condition) a counselor trained in motivational interviewing and smoking cessation treatment will phone participants. The Text-to-Enhance condition will receive SMS appointment reminders for telephone counseling appointments and 5 texts per week with tips and suggestions for quitting for a duration of 8 weeks. The telephone counseling condition will receive standard 8 weeks of telephone counseling only.

This is the first randomization (text to engage vs. mailed notice). Patients randomized to this condition will receive a notice in the mail that they will receive a phone call in about 2 weeks to offer telephone cessation treatment.

Two weeks following receipt of the mailed notice or upon completion of the engagement text messages (Text-to-Engage condition) a counselor trained in motivational interviewing and smoking cessation treatment will phone participants. The Text-to-Enhance condition will receive SMS appointment reminders for telephone counseling appointments and 5 texts per week with tips and suggestions for quitting for a duration of 8 weeks. The telephone counseling condition will receive standard 8 weeks of telephone counseling only.