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Project E-Shift: A Harm Reduction Intervention for Chronically Unhoused Smokers.
Sponsor: Thomas Jefferson University
Summary
This pilot randomized trial tested whether switching to e-cigarettes, compared with standard nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; patch and gum), helped adults with a history of chronic homelessness stop smoking combustible cigarettes. All participants received brief cessation counseling and incentives for carbon monoxide (CO)-verified abstinence from cigarettes during the first weeks after a scheduled switch date. Participants were followed for 12 weeks after switching, with a final follow-up at 24 weeks. The study also assessed feasibility (recruitment, retention, and visit attendance) and used interviews with participants and service-agency staff to understand acceptability and how a tobacco harm reduction program could fit into existing housing and clinic services.
Official title: Project E-Shift: A Harm Reduction Intervention for Chronically Unhoused Smokers
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
21 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
44
Start Date
2025-08-05
Completion Date
2026-07-29
Last Updated
2026-10-27
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
E-cigarette
Pod-based e-cigarette device \[Vuse Alto, 5 % nicotine\] given at baseline, with 3 pods for a 1-week practice period. Starting on switch day, participants receive weekly pod supplies in flavors of their choice, dosed to pre-switch cigarettes per day, through 8 weeks post-switch. Used pods are returned before resupply. One replacement device is provided if the device is lost or damaged.
Nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum), both arms
Participants receive Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patch, gum)
CO-contingent financial incentives, both arms
CO-contingent financial incentives, both arms
Cessation counseling
Cessation counseling, all arms
Locations (1)
Pathways to Housing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States