Internet and Telephone Treatment for smoking cessation: mediators and moderators of short-term abstinence.

Introduction: This study examined mediators and moderators of short-term treatment effectiveness from the iQUITT Study (Quit Using Internet and Telephone Treatment), a 3-arm randomized trial that compared an interactive smoking cessation Web site with an online social network (enhanced Internet) alone and in conjunction with proactive telephone counseling (enhanced Internet plus phone) to a static Internet comparison condition (basic Internet).

Methods: The analytic sample was N = 1,236 participants with complete 3-month data on all mediating variables. The primary outcome was 30-day point prevalence abstinence (ppa) at 3 months.

The emergency department action in smoking cessation (EDASC) trial: impact on cessation outcomes.

Introduction: The focus on acute care, time pressure, and lack of resources hamper the implementation of smoking cessation guidelines in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to determine whether an emergency nurse- initiated intervention based on the 5A's (Ask-Advise-Assess-Assist-Arrange) framework improves quit rates.

Methods: We conducted a pre-post implementation trial in 789 adult smokers who presented to two EDs in Iowa between August 13, 2008 and August 4, 2010.

Smoking reduction for persons with mental illnesses: 6-month results from community-based interventions.

Persons with mental illnesses use tobacco at significantly higher and heavier rates than the general population, and suffer greater tobacco- related morbidity and mortality. However, there are few existing tobacco cessation interventions for these individuals. This study examined two tobacco cessation interventions, a telephonic quitline intervention (counseling and nicotine replacement therapy) and a community-based group counseling intervention with adults currently receiving community mental health services.

A randomized trial of Internet and telephone treatment for smoking cessation.

Background: This study aimed to determine the relative effect of Internet and Internet plus telephone treatment for smoking cessation on smoking abstinence among US adults. A priori hypotheses were that Internet enhanced with tailored content and social support would outperform basic Internet (BI) and that enhanced Internet (EI) plus proactive telephone counseling would outperform the other conditions.

Methods: The Quit Using Internet and Telephone Treatment (iQUITT) study used a 3-group randomized controlled design comparing BI, EI, and EI and telephone combined (EI+P).

Measuring asthma control is the first step to patient management: a literature review.

Asthma control is recognized as a critical aspect of the evaluation and management of the disease. Here we evaluate and compare existing instruments for measuring asthma control in an attempt to evaluate their clinical utility. Based on a literature review, we identified validated instruments used to assess asthma control in adults.

COPD screening efforts in primary care: what is the yield?

Introduction: Underdiagnosis of COPD appears to be common, although the degree of underdiagnosis is rarely measured. To document the extent of underdiagnosis in a high risk group of ambulatory patients, we performed spirometry in smokers aged 40 years and over drawn from general practices in two countries.

Methods: Subjects were recruited from primary care practices in Aberdeen, Scotland, and Denver, Colorado, via random mailing.

Scoring system and clinical application of COPD diagnostic questionnaires.

Objectives: In most primary care settings, spirometric screening of all patients at risk is not practical. In prior work, we developed questionnaires to help identify COPD in two risk groups: (1) persons with a positive smoking history but no history of obstructive lung disease (case finding), and (2) patients with prior evidence of obstructive lung disease (differential diagnosis). For these questionnaires, we now present a scoring system for use in primary care.

Misdiagnosis of COPD and asthma in primary care patients 40 years of age and over.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often misdiagnosed as asthma, leading to inappropriate treatment and suboptimal patient outcomes. As part of a prospective study of patients with a history consistent with obstructive lung disease, we compared prior diagnostic labels with a study diagnosis based on spirometric results. We enrolled persons 40 years of age or older with prior diagnoses or medications consistent with obstructive lung disease.

Symptom-based questionnaire for identifying COPD in smokers.

Background: Symptom-based questionnaires may enhance chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening in primary care.

Objectives: We prospectively tested questions to help identify COPD among smokers without prior history of lung disease.

Methods: Subjects were recruited via random mailing to primary care practices in Aberdeen, UK, and Denver, Colo.

Symptom-based questionnaire for differentiating COPD and asthma.

Background: Many patients with obstructive lung disease (OLD) carry an inaccurate diagnostic label. Symptom-based questionnaires could identify persons likely to need spirometry.

Objectives: We prospectively tested questions derived from a comprehensive literature review and an international Delphi panel to help identify chronic OLD (COPD) in persons with prior evidence of OLD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients under age 65: utilization and costs from a managed care sample.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects all adult age groups, not just elderly males. We assessed the health care utilization and cost impact of COPD in different age groups.

Methods: We compared burden of illness, utilization, and charges for younger versus older COPD patients and versus age- and gender-matched controls.

Operating a sustainable disease management program for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of our nation's most rapidly growing chronic health conditions. It is estimated that over 16 million individuals are diagnosed with COPD (Friedman & Hilleman, 2001). In addition, another 16 million are misdiagnosed as asthma or not diagnosed at all.

Efficacy and safety of budesonide inhalation powder (Pulmicort Turbuhaler) during 52 weeks of treatment in adults and children with persistent asthma.

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids are the agents of choice for treating persistent asthma.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of budesonide inhalation powder (Pulmicort Turbuhaler) in patients with mild to severe persistent asthma.

Methods: Patients (n=1133) received open-label budesonide (dose range, 100-800 microg b.

Relationships between self-reported asthma utilization and patient characteristics.

Background: Identifying asthmatic individuals most likely to utilize medical care in the future will help to direct intervention and medical resources; however, there are currently limited models for future utilization.

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between patient characteristics and medical utilization, using an asthma disease management patient population.

Methods: We analyzed a sample of 1412 adults, enrolled for 6 months in an asthma disease management program, for relationships with utilization.