C-Raven: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Avatar-Delivered Computerized Tobacco Cessation with Community Health Worker Linkage to Lung Cancer Screening in Baltimore City

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a pilot randomized controlled trial to study a computerized avatar-delivered intervention for tobacco cessation combined with support from community health workers (CHWs) and navigation to lung cancer screening. The study aims to assess recruitment feasibility, participant engagement, completion, and short-term smoking cessation outcomes in a residency clinic setting. Participants will be adults aged 50 and older who currently use tobacco and are considering quitting. The intervention group receives two sessions of computer-delivered counseling via a virtual counselor on a tablet, focusing on tobacco cessation and pharmacotherapy use, including nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, or lozenges). CHWs provide training on nicotine therapy use, frequent follow-up calls or video meetings for support, decision-making guidance on lung cancer screening, and assistance with healthcare navigation. The control group waits for six months without intervention and then receives the full computerized intervention and abbreviated CHW support. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months with questionnaires on demographics, tobacco use, and readiness to quit. The study measures acceptability and feasibility through module completion and CHW session attendance, as well as uptake of lung cancer screening and nicotine replacement therapy. Follow-up interviews with some participants will gather feedback on the intervention's acceptability. The total follow-up period is six months, with community support continuing during this time.

C-Raven, a Virtual Tobacco Cessation Intervention in Residency Clinics