Should smokers be automatically signed up for quit programs?

NCT ID NCT03477435

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares two approaches to helping smokers quit: an opt-out method where everyone is automatically referred unless they say no, versus an opt-in method where people must actively sign up. Over 1,300 veterans at VA clinics in New York are taking part. The goal is to see which approach leads to more people accepting and using quitline or text-messaging support.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Staff training and academic detailing
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that an opt-out approach gets more smokers into treatment and helps more people quit.
What could go wrong: This is a behavioral study, not a drug trial. Results may not apply outside VA clinics, and self-reported quit rates can be unreliable.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

nicotine dependence Smoking Smoking Cessation Tobacco Use

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TOBACCO USE

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY

New York, New York, 10010-5011, United States

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