Methods: The Quitline began offering NRT online in July 2006. Clients complete a web-based survey to determine eligibility. Qualified clients are compared against the Quitline database for duplication before being accepted.

Results: Since July 2006, nearly 20,000 New Yorkers have applied for online NRT and 14,847 clients were eligible to receive NRT online. A comparison of demographic characteristics between online and Quitline client who received NRT demonstrates that online clients are younger (43% under age 35) than Quitline callers who received NRT (34% under age 35). Follow-up outcomes at 2 weeks are similar among clients who received NRT online and by calling directly. 53% of online clients and 56% of Quitline callers who received NRT report having stopped smoking at 2 weeks. Both online clients and Quitline callers who received NRT report high levels of satisfaction with the Quitline service (91% and 93%, respectively), and would recommend the Quitline to a friend (92% and 93%, respectively). Quit outcomes at 3- and 12-months will be available to present at the conference in October.

Conclusions: Addition of the online NRT service enhances NRT distribution through the Quitline and has increased the reach of the Quitline, while continuing to deliver high-quality service to NYS residents seeking quitting assistance.