Doctor Invents Computerized Wristwatch To Help Smokers Quit and Maintain Long-Term Smoking Cessation

MedNews, July 2002

Utilizes random and user-generated smart messages to congratulate, encourage, nudge--and scare!--users toward a smoke-free life; works with current step-down methods

Chicago (July 22, 2002) Of the 47 million smokers in the United States, 50 to 60 percent say they are trying to quit. Studies have shown that while the current methods for smoking cessation-over-the-counter nicotine replacement products and medication-prove effective in the short-term, they only have a 10 to 30 percent success rate of smoking cessation at six months. However, other studies show that when smoking cessation plans incorporate long-term reinforcement, the quit rates can increase significantly. Simple, computer-tailored cessation messages generated through an easy-to use, unobtrusive and affordable device could prove beneficial to smokers in their quest to quit their potentially deadly habit.

The QuittingTime Watch (QT-Watch) has been developed for this purpose. Invented by Dr. Neil Perlman, M.D., a practicing physician board certified in Internal Medicine who specializes in smoking cessation research, and Dan Mapes-Riordan, Ph.D., of ElectroMed Technologies, the QT-Watch is a computerized messaging wristwatch aimed at helping smokers quit their habit and maintain long-term smoking cessation.

The QT-Watch looks and performs like a standard digital watch that can be custom programmed to the individual smoker to perform unique functions. It utilizes approximately 500 motivational messages to guide the smoker into smoking less and maintaining their cessation. The watch also guides the user into slowly tapering their habit with daily goals: a pack a day to half a pack and so on until the ultimate quit is achieved. A smoking meter on the watch helps increase the amount of time between cigarettes and is especially designed to defeat chain smoking. Smoking alarms on the watch will trigger with increasing frequency if the user is above their daily goal. Medication reminders are also included to increase compliance of smoking cessation methods.

While Dr. Perlman recommends the "cold turkey" approach to smokers who want to quit, he knows it doesn't work for most people.

"The billion dollar smoking cessation market is a clear indicator that going 'cold turkey' is not an effective quit method for the majority of smokers," says Dr. Perlman. "Maintaining smoking cessation may require multiple therapies for success. The QT-Watch was designed to increase the effectiveness of current smoking cessation products, or it can be used by itself to provide positive feedback for the smoker choosing to go 'cold turkey.'"

Dr. Perlman has planned several large-scale clinical trials to test the effectiveness of the QT-Watch. To facilitate his research, Perlman joined the Department of Preventive Medicine at Rush University in Chicago as an Assistant Professor of Medicine. He has also applied for funding with the National Institute of Health and the American Cancer Society. Results of this research are projected for July 2005.

Adds Dr. Perlman, "I truly believe the QT-Watch will work and I am putting forth my best effort to study it properly in a controlled scientific environment."

The QT-Watch will be available in September at an MSRP of $139.95. Doctors interested in offering the QT-Watch to their patients will receive a professional discount. Choose from two models: wristwatch and clip-on version in three attractive colors: black/silver (watch and clip-on), all silver (clip-on version only) and blue/silver (clip-on version only).

The QT-Watch comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty and online service and technical support. With their purchase, customers will also receive monthly "QuittingTime" e-newsletters featuring recent studies, frequently asked questions and answers, doctor advice, and other information to help them in their quest for a smoke-free life.

For further information on the QT-Watch or ElectroMed Technologies, visit their website http://www.electromedtechnologies.com/

Founded in 1998, ElectroMed Technologies is a manufacturer of portable, electronic devices designed to increase the health and well-being of their users.

FUNCTIONS OF THE QT-WATCH:

• Cigarette Button--Press the cigarette button every time you light up;
• Cigarette Meter--Helps increase the amount of time between cigarettes and is especially designed to defeat chain smoking;
• Info Button--Lets you know the progress you're making toward achieving a smoke-free life such as how long it's been since your last cigarette, your daily count and goals for the day, your "quitting score," and how much money you've saved by not smoking;
• Messages--Random and user-generated "smart" messages to congratulate, encourage, nudge-and scare!-you towards a smoke-free life;
• Medication Reminders--Works alone or in conjunction with other smoking cessation medications. Icons, messages and alarms remind you to take your medications;
• Quitting Score--Keeps track of your degree of success. Watch your score soar towards "100" and a smoke-free life.

(View Online Version)

 Last Update: 10/04/03