New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/21/2014 -- This study provides a new method of conducting a cross-country automated randomised controlled trial with no human intervention by utilising smartphone capabilities.

Apple and Android (Google Play) app stores users are downloading smoking cessation apps and other health related apps, and frequently use them. However, the efficacy of smartphone apps for smoking cessation has not yet been established.

Nevertheless, a new study published recently at the BMJ Open journal is now investigating the effectiveness of smartphone smoking cessation apps. The research paper titled “Assessing the effect of an interactive decision-aid smartphone smoking cessation application (app) on quit rates: a double-blind automated randomised control trial protocol”. This study tests the efficacy of a smartphone smoking cessation apps.

This study app is currently recruiting smokers four countries including (Australia, Singapore, United Kingdom, and United States). This provides an opportunity to cross-country utilize smartphone apps for health.

In addition to comparing the intervention's effects on quitting decision and period of quitting, this project provides a new method of conducting a cross-country automated RCT with no human intervention by utilising smartphone capabilities. The use of an automated method decreases the cost and staff burden if implemented appropriately.

This is one of the first studies that explored the feasibility of recruiting RCT participants directly via Apple app store, and investigating a cross-country efficacy of smartphone app for smoking cessation.

For more information about this study please contact Nasser F BinDhim at nbin6641@uni.sydney.edu.au by Email.