The West Virginia Prescription Drug Abuse Quitline: challenges and lessons learned from running a remote quitline

Health Promot Pract. 2012 Jan;13(1):81-9. doi: 10.1177/1524839910381697. Epub 2011 Sep 13.

Abstract

The West Virginia Prescription Drug Abuse Quitline (WVPDAQ) is a resource that offers education and support to individuals and families affected by prescription drug abuse. The WVPDAQ began functioning September 11, 2008, through the use of mobile phone and laptop technology. Although some helplines and quitlines use some aspects of remote technology, most function through traditional call center and landline technology, making the WVPDAQ unique. This article describes the process evaluation of the WVPDAQ and outlines both the positive findings and challenges faced by the WVPDAQ. Lessons learned and future recommendations for remote quitline endeavors are also presented. It is hoped that the experiences and information regarding the WVPDAQ presented can provide best-practice insight for public health practitioners and evaluation personnel who are considering using alternative technologies to deliver quitline services.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Family
  • Hotlines / organization & administration*
  • Hotlines / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Organizational Case Studies
  • Prescription Drugs*
  • Rural Population
  • Social Support*
  • Substance-Related Disorders*
  • West Virginia

Substances

  • Prescription Drugs