What is GEMS?
GEMS is a research study. The goal is to compare two different digital apps to help people decide if, when, and how to quit smoking. Participants will use the apps and answer questions about their smoking and other beliefs and behaviors to help researchers understand how well the apps work.
Who can join GEMS?
People who live in the U.S., smoke cigarettes, own an Android or iPhone, are willing/able to complete all study activities, meet certain age and other legal requirements, and meet other study requirements can join.
What if I’m not ready to quit cigarettes?
No problem!
How do I find out if I’m eligible and enroll?
- Complete a 5-minute online survey telling us more about yourself.
- If you may be eligible, you’ll be invited to learn more, join the study, and complete an online survey (takes 10-20 minutes).
- If you agree to join, we’ll verify your contact information, confirm your eligibility, and then tell you how to install and activate the GEMS app on your phone.
- Once you install and activate the app, your enrollment is complete.
What will I be asked to do if I join?
- Install and use your assigned app.
- Complete one survey when you agree to join and two more online surveys: one in about 3-months and one in about 6-months after you join.
- You may also be asked to complete a saliva test in about 6 months, to assess your use of nicotine and tobacco products.
- Participants will receive emails and text messages.
What will I get if I participate?
- You’ll have access to an app that contains information and tools that could help you cut back or quit smoking.
- You’ll have access to free resources that could help you stop smoking, which could include a free starter kit of nicotine replacement therapy.
- Based on your timely completion of the study activities, you could receive up to $100 in gift cards.
- $25 when you complete each follow-up survey (3- and 6-month)
- $10 bonus if you complete each follow-up survey within 24 hours of the first electronic reminder
- $20 when you upload a photograph of your completed saliva test result to the study database
- $10 bonus if you complete the saliva test process within 10 days of the saliva test invitation
Some people will be invited to complete a saliva test:
How long does the study last?
About 6 months.
Who are the sponsors of this study?
- The study is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.
- The work is being led by researchers at Kaiser Permanente and Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Learn more About Us.
Do I have to be a member of Kaiser Permanente to join?
No!
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
You can send questions to gems@kp.org or call 1-866-459-2816.
