Research Projects

CTI research conducted ranges from evaluating patterns of tobacco pharmacotherapy use among Medicaid enrollees, conducting randomized trials, and demonstration projects to enhance systems of care in clinical practice.

Clinical Trials                                                                                                      CTI was a study site for a Phase III clinical trial testing the efficacy of Chantix (varenicline) in smokers with chronic lung disease.  Chantix is a newly FDA-approved medication for the treatment of tobacco dependence.

Evaluation of the Maine Tobacco Treatment Initiative                                        Since 2001, CTI has been supported by the Partnership for Tobacco-Free Maine (PTM), Maine DHHS, Maine CDC,  to deliver the Maine Tobacco HelpLine, provide access to free nicotine therapy, and conduct professional education and training statewide. A study of this Treatment Initiative's direct services shows program effectiveness and broad population-based reach.

Practice to Policy: Analysis of Tobacco Treatment Use in Maine                                                                                                                     A study examining patterns of tobacco treatment seeking and treatment utilization began in July 2005. Data from Maine's Adult Tobacco Survey, Medicaid claims, and the Maine HelpLine will be used generate discussions about statewide tobacco programs and policies with stakeholders across Maine. The project is funded by the Maine Health Access Foundation.

Improving Care for Pregnant Smokers                                                             The Maine Prenatal Collaborative was a Smoke-Free Families Demonstration Project to enhance tobacco interventions during prenatal care. CTI was working with 20 practices using a Collaborative developed by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement. The project engaged a practice team to make office changes and track progress over time. Click here for Maine Collaborative information. Project was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Smoke-Free Families program.

Academic Profiling Improve Practice Performance                                    Treating Tobacco Together was a randomized trial testing the impact of academic profiling (office based education and data feedback) with 50 Maine primary care practices. This study measured practice performance using insurance claims, and used this data to deliver comparative feedback to providers. Study funded by the National Cancer Institute and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. A study abstract is posted on the Addressing Tobacco in Managed Care website.

Health Services Research                                                                                  CTI and Center for Outcomes Research & Evaluation researchers examined the utilization of tobacco treatments from 1996 to 1999 by Medicaid beneficiaries. Secondary analyses are now being conducted to study patterns of nicotine therapy and bupropion use through 2004. Earlier study was supported by the Maine Bureau of Medical Services

B.E.S.T. Heart Study                                                                                      Maine Medical Center conducted a placebo-controlled, randomized trial of bupropion in hospitalized smokers with acute coronary conditions. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, study P.I. is Dr. Nancy Rigotti, Director, Tobacco Research and Treatment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital.

Patient-Provider Internet Communication                                                      CTI examined the patients using a patient-provider Internet portal across multiple practices in Maine [article]. Study support was from Health Commons Institute.

Maine Medical Center Research Institute Student Projects                              CTI participates in the MMCRI Summer Student Scholarship program that affords basic and clinical research experience. Students have conducted hospital and outpatient studies related to tobacco use, treatment and policy.