Smoking Cessation

Partners in Helping You Quit (PiHQ) Smoking Cessation Study

BWH Expansion Plan

I. Mass General Brigham Medication Benefit: Medication to help a smoker cut down or quit smoking is available with no copay to all Mass General Brigham employees (and their adult dependents) who have Mass General Brigham insurance. The benefit includes non-prescription nicotine patch, gum, or lozenges as well as prescription drugs like bupropion (Zyban) or Chantix. It requires a prescription from a provider.

II. PiHQ Study: To help smokers get the most from this new health insurance benefit, Mass General Brigham employees (and their adult dependents) can enroll in the PiHQ research study designed to help smokers who want to quit or cut down on their smoking over the next 3 months. Smokers who join will receive help for up to 12 months that is private, confidential, and tailored to their needs. PiHQ is a randomized-controlled trial. The intervention provides evidence-based treatment that includes smoking cessation counseling and facilitates access to pharmacotherapy through the new medication benefit (see appendix: study design).

BWH Eligibility: Eligible participants include adult permanent BWH employees or Mass General Brigham employees working at BWH (and their adult dependents) who currently smoke tobacco.

BWH Recruitment: Employees who work within a targeted department will be offered the PiHQ research study primarily letter/email outreach, regardless of known smoking status. Employees will contact PiHQ study staff if interested in learning more or enrolling in the study.