Quitlines: A Tool for Research and Dissemination of Evidence-Based Cessation Practices

Quitlines in the United States have grown dramatically over the past 15 years, from one state and a handful of health plans to all 50 states and over 200 health plans and employers. Over half a million tobacco users received help from state quitlines alone in 2005. Research to confirm and improve quitline effectiveness also has burgeoned, with multiple meta-analyses confirming a dose-related treatment effect. Quitlines are increasing the depth and breadth of services offered, including the integration of medication support and other electronic communication mediums such as web and e-mail.Quitlines have the capacity to serve a larger fraction of the population than they currently serve. Accomplishing this is dependent on creating ambitious, multi-institution funding and delivery mechanisms, as well as further research and development to improve reach, effectiveness, and efficiency.