StopCoach

StopCoach is a low-threshold app that helps people quit smoking. The app is preferably used in combination with personal counseling and is based, among other things, on the scientifically proven StopAdvisor intervention developed by University College London.

Impact

Societal: Personal circumstances, stress, and the environment make it more difficult for people of lower socioeconomic status (SES)to quit smoking. However, there are almost no interventions specifically for this target group, even though it is especially needed. StopCoach focuses on this group.
Economic: Smoking is bad for your health. If more people quit, it is also good for the affordability of healthcare. Groups with lower SES smoke relatively more, making smoking-related diseases and premature death a bigger problem in these groups. Smoking thus perpetuates socioeconomic health disparities.
Scientific: Not enough is yet known about which interventions can help smokers with lower SES to quit smoking and how these interventions can best be implemented. This project contributes to more knowledge and understanding in this area.

Project

In 2019 and 2020, a collaboration of NeLL, Pharos, and the Trimbos Institute evaluated The StopCoach in a real-life setting in five Dutch municipalities. The findings were used to further develop the app. The app is currently being researched for effectiveness in collaboration with a certified provider of smoking cessation training.

Duration

2018-2021

Project size (€ and subsidies)

€ 98k Grant from Noaber Foundation; in child/cash contributions from Trimbos Institute, Pharos and NeLL

Partners

Knowledge institution: LUMC/NeLL, the Trimbos Institute, Pharos;
Governments: Municipalities of Stadskanaal, Weststellingwerf, Hulst, Goeree-Overflakkee and Roermond;
Care provider; SineFuma

More information

Click on this link for more information about the project