Current Research

Trials currently or soon to be recruiting

As well as running weekly a stop smoking service we also carry out research evaluating different and new methods of quitting smoking and different approaches to weight loss. The following studies are currently taking place.

 

Electronic Cigarette Study

We are investigating whether electronic cigarettes are as effective in helping smokers quit as nicotine replacement treatment (e.g. nicotine patches, gum etc.). This is a ground breaking study, one of the first of its kind, and your participation could provide vital information about e-cigarettes and how we help people stop smoking in the future. 

If you choose to take part you will receive:

• 6 weeks of specialist stop-smoking support from health psychologists
• either an e-cigarette starter pack OR your choice of nicotine replacement treatment on prescription (decided at random by a computer)

Study sessions begin one week prior to your agreed quit date and continue for four weeks thereafter.


Further details can be found on this information sheet (link opens in a new window).

If you would like to take part, or would like further information about the study, please email health-research@qmul.ac.uk or call 0207 882 5747.

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (http://www.nets.nihr.ac.uk/projects/hta/12167135) and approved by the National Research Ethics Committee London.

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Relapse Prevention Study

We are looking for people who recently stopped smoking with the help of a Stop Smoking Service (i.e. who have been abstinent for four weeks). The trial is evaluating strategies that include smoking replacement (NRT or e-cigarettes) to be used in situations when people are tempted to smoke and feel they may lapse back to smoking, online specialist support, and a combination of the two. Ex-smokers will be followed up for 1 year to assess their progress and learn about what contributes to successfully maintaining abstinence.

The study is likely to start in January 2017. It is funded by the National Institute for Health Research.

If you would like to take part, or would like further information about the study, please email health-research@qmul.ac.uk or call 0207 882 5747.


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Determinants of success in changing difficult-to-change health behaviours

We are looking for people who have lost weight and have successfully maintained their weight loss for at least a year, and for people who used to have a problem with alcohol but have managed to overcome it for at least a year. We are also looking for people who struggle with losing weight and people who struggle with controlling their drinking.

If you are interested call 020 7882 8244 or email d.g.y.thompson-lake@qmul.ac.uk

This is part of a PhD project funded by UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies.

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Interventions to help people lose weight 

This study examines the efficacy of several approaches to help people lose weight. Participants are randomly allocated to try the 5:2 approach with group support, 5:2 approach on their own, or to receive standard expert advice. Weight loss is monitored over 1 year.

The study is funded by the Medical Research Council. 

If you would like to take part, or would like further information about the study, please call 020 7882 5948 or email s.peerbux@qmul.ac.uk

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Follow-up study of people who smoke and vape

We are looking for people who switched partially to using e-cigarettes (vaping) but who are still smoking their usual cigarettes. Study participants will be followed up to see how their smoking and vaping changes over time. Those who are interested in stopping smoking will be offered stop smoking treatment and everybody will be asked to provide saliva samples so we can determine what proportion of their nicotine intake is derived from smoking and what proportion is derived from vaping, and how this changes over time. 

The study is funded by Pfizer.

If you would like to take part, or would like further information about the study, please call 020 7882 5948 or email s.peerbux@qmul.ac.uk

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Gut Hormones in Addiction (GHADD) Study

A new research study is being performed at Imperial College London using brain scanning to investigate the effects of gut hormones on addictive behaviours related to smoking. We are recruiting volunteers between 18 and 60 years old who are ex-smokers or ex-vapers and have given up smoking cigarettes within the last year, or current smokers or current vapers who plan to quit in the near future. There is a health screening visit, followed by 3 one day study visits, at the Hammersmith Hospital, London W12. No overnight stays are needed. You will be paid expenses including travel costs.

For more information and to see if you are eligible please visit our website www.ghadd.co.uk or email ghadd@imperial.ac.uk

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Smoking in Pregnancy Study

This study will examine two approaches to help pregnant smokers quit. It is a large multi-centre randomised trial coordinated from our unit that will recruit over 1000 pregnant smokers. It is likely to start in late 2017. It is funded by the National Institute for Health Research.