Pilot trial to assess the feasibility and response rates for an RCT evaluating the effectiveness of a computer tailored intervention for smoking cessation in general practice

INTERVENTION: Questionnaires; Before‐After‐Study, Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) comparison between: 1. Normal treatment 2. Normal treatment plus tailored feedback reports group CONDITION: Smoking addiction ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders ; Smoking addiction PRIMARY OUTCOME: Computer tailored feedback, adapted to reading levels and readiness to quit, is a simple intervention which could be widely replicated and delivered cost effectively to a large proportion of the smoking population. A modest success rate could have a large effect on public health given its recruitment potential and make a valuable contribution to lowering smoking prevalence. The method mimics the guidelines of asking, advising, assessing, assisting and arranging and could be incorporated into GPs standard treatment at less time and cost. These materials, tailored to the requirements of each individual, would offer GPs and practice nurses an efficient way of integrating smoking cessation counselling into a busy primary care practice. The computer programme could also be made available on CD Rom to produce immediate printed feedback for use by primary care professionals. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Smokers 2. Aged between 18 and 65 years, either sex 3. Identified from records in four practices