Using 'Smart' Technology to Aid in Cigarette Smoking Cessation: Examining an Innovative Way to Monitor and Improve Quit Attempt Outcomes

Introduction Recently, smartphone applications (apps) have been used as smoking cessation aids. Interactive apps appear to more effective than non-interactive apps. SmokeBeat, a smartphone app used in conjunction with a smartwatch, aims to detect smoking events, interact with the user as they occur and potentially stop smoking events before they occur in the future.Aims The purpose of this feasibility study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of SmokeBeat in detecting smoking events.Methods The feasibility of using the app as a smoking cessation aid was tested over a 2-week period by daily, dependent smokers. SmokeBeat's cigarette detection rate was measured in laboratory sessions both before and after the 2-week period. Fisher's exact test was used to compare detection rates from each session.Results/Findings The detection rate was 22.5% during session 1 and 41.7% during session 2. Once technological issues were controlled for (i.e., signal loss between smartphone and smartwatch), SmokeBeat's detection rate improved over the 2-week period, resulting in a 100% detection rate.Conclusions Apps which can detect smoking events in real time present an opportunity for a proactive and interactive smoking cessation aid - a potentially useful tool for individuals attempting to quit smoking.