NIH and UCSF use Phreesia to impact smoking cessation support in national study

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Institutes of Health and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) are conducting a randomized controlled clinical trial to assess change in provider behavior when using digital check-in tablets to promote smoking cessation. Researchers will utilize Phreesia, the nation's leading point-of-service solution, to electronically administer a smoking cessation assessment to patients via the wireless, touchscreen PhreesiaPad.

The researchers will focus on the 5 A's model of smoking cessation: ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange. While the majority of primary care providers support the 5 A's model, negative attitudes and lack of time, knowledge and cessation skills are commonly cited as obstacles to full 5 A's adherence. Phreesia's direct patient engagement model specifically addresses these obstacles and promotes evidence-based strategies to improve provider adherence and 5 A's fidelity. By having patients complete the smoking cessation assessment on the electronic PhreesiaPad, providers will be able to easily identify patients who smoke and are ready to quit. Providers will then be more likely to assist in finding cessation support resources and arrange follow-ups to help patients follow through, thereby facilitating a successful smoking cessation. The study will include around 700 unique patients and 200 healthcare providers, including residents and nurse practitioners.

"The study will assess whether this approach to smoking cessation is more effective when used in conjunction with tablet technologies, by prompting providers to reinforce next steps and provide appropriate follow-up care," says Jason Satterfield, PhD, principal investigator and director of behavioral medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine at UCSF.

The technology is designed to help providers offer appropriate cessation assistance, including motivational enhancement, scheduling a quit date, referrals to quit lines or counseling, nicotine replacement therapy and cessation pharmacotherapy. Dr. Satterfield also notes that, "while this study focuses on 5 A's and smoking, understanding the science behind computer tablet implementation in primary care could have important implications for other alcohol and drug use interventions." 

Phreesia CEO Chaim Indig states, "It is an honor to be a part of this groundbreaking study with UCSF and the NIH. We wholeheartedly support UCSF researchers in their efforts to implement innovative, evidence-based approaches in their facilities, and we are committed to helping physicians improve outcomes and stay at the forefront of patient care."

About Phreesia
Leading healthcare organizations choose Phreesia to revolutionize their point of service. Regardless of size, specialty or demographics, today's healthcare systems face the same challenges: escalating demands, rising costs and increasing patient responsibility. Phreesia's innovative point-of-service platform—including patient self-service and mobile applications—resolves these issues by driving efficiency and profitability throughout provider organizations. Patients expect a seamless, automated experience from other industries. Why should the provider's front office be any different?

UC Disclaimer
The information stated above was prepared by Phreesia and reflects solely the opinion of the corporation. Nothing in this statement shall be construed to imply any support or endorsement of Phreesia, or any of its products, by The Regents of the University of California, its officers, agents and employees.

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SOURCE Phreesia