Telehealth solutions have become a major player in healthcare, as they help remove barriers to care and provide greater access to services. For example, a Rutgers study showed that video conferencing with tobacco treatment specialists may reduce tobacco-related disparities among incarcerated smokers.
At LifeStance Health, we offer a variety of telehealth solutions to help clients quit smoking. These include evidence-based coaching programs and free tobacco quitlines.
Telehealth Solutions for Quitting Smoking
Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health, but it’s hard to quit without some help. Fortunately, digital health and telemedicine have paved the way for new ways to deliver smoking cessation programs to patients who may otherwise be hard to reach.
A plethora of free and low-cost online tools are available to help you kick the habit. These include smartphone-based nicotine replacement products, chatbots, and apps to track your progress on a daily basis.
However, these are not always the most effective or easiest to use solutions. Luckily, some telehealth services have a dedicated team of medical, nursing, and behavioral health professionals to offer these gizmos in a safe and secure setting.
One example is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Quit Genius, which is a mobile app that uses artificial intelligence to provide you with free tips and tricks based on your personal goals. The app also has a gamification component that rewards you for reaching specific milestones.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine, or online-based video counseling, could be a viable alternative to a standard face-to-face clinic visit smoking cessation program. A 3-month randomized trial of 115 patients found that this type of treatment was noninferior to the standard clinic visit-based program.
While it may seem counterintuitive to think that a remote counselor can provide an effective therapeutic relationship, studies have shown that phone counseling is not as beneficial for long-term quit rates as in-person counseling (Fiore et al., 2008).
The main advantage of telemedicine is that it allows a counselor to see the patient in real time. This can help the counselor to understand and respond to any emotional or behavioral changes the patient is experiencing.
In addition to helping to increase adherence to treatment, telemedicine can improve the quality of care by eliminating many barriers to in-person visits. For example, telemedicine eliminates the need for a patient to drive or take time off from work and can help to accommodate more family members who are willing to participate in treatment.
Telepsychiatry
Telepsychiatry is the use of audio and video equipment to provide mental health treatment. It has a number of benefits including cost-effectiveness, increased practitioner reach, and more convenient appointment scheduling.
It is also easy to incorporate telepsychiatry into existing mental healthcare services. A recent study found that telepsychiatry was effective at treating patients with depressive disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse.
In addition, telepsychiatry is also effective for crisis intervention and suicide prevention. It can help reduce the time and cost of emergency department visits, as well as inpatient hospitalizations.
However, there are some concerns about telepsychiatry, especially in the ED setting. These include a lack of rapport, difficulty reading nonverbal communication cues, and technical difficulties. It is important to remember that telepsychiatry must be tailored to each patient’s individual needs. It must also remain secure and confidential. This means that the psychiatric provider should have a strong understanding of privacy regulations. They should also be HIPAA compliant and have an updated Internet connection and sturdy technology.
Online Counseling
Online counseling can be a powerful tool for helping patients quit smoking. It can be paired with in-person counseling, or used as a stand-alone service.
It can also help clients avoid relapse. Having someone who will be there for you when you are feeling vulnerable and want to smoke can make a big difference in your success, says Charles Dodgen, PhD, a New Jersey-based clinical psychologist and author of “Nicotine Dependence” (APA Books).
Counselors can help clients break the behavioral habits that they connect to smoking, such as starting the day by reading the newspaper, drinking coffee and smoking, says David Brooks, a psychiatry professor at the University of California, San Francisco. They can suggest activities and rituals to replace the old ones, such as taking a daily walk.
Therapists can also use online counseling to help patients stay in touch with their therapists during times when they aren’t available in person, such as during times of travel or illness. It can be particularly helpful for clients who don’t live near a counselor, or for those who cannot physically come in to therapy.
In conclusion, telehealth solutions for quitting smoking are a convenient and effective way for smokers to break free from nicotine addiction. With the ability to access professional help from the comfort of your own home, telehealth providers provide support and guidance every step of the way.
From managing withdrawal symptoms to addressing triggers and cravings, telehealth solutions offer a comprehensive approach to quitting smoking. Whether you prefer individual counseling or support groups, telehealth solutions cater to your specific needs and provide a customized approach to quitting smoking.
With the advancements in technology, telehealth solutions are not only accessible but also affordable, making it an accessible option for everyone. If you’re ready to quit smoking and take control of your health, consider utilizing a telehealth solution and join the journey to becoming a smoke-free, healthier you.
