A "stop smoking" game for smartphones has been developed that incorporates elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
The app, designed by a group of medical students, is the first to deliver personalised behavioural support to those wanting to quit tobacco.
It is based around concepts of CBT, the popular "talking treatment" that helps people change the way they think and behave.
To motivate users, the app has game-like features for reaching personal targets and tracking progress, with videos delivered by an animated personal doctor.
Currently, the NHS only provides behavioural support to around 9% of UK smokers who want to quit.
Yusuf Sherwani, a medical student at Imperial College London - who led development of the app, said: "As medical students, almost every day we see patients who are suffering from the consequences of smoking cigarettes; many of whom want to quit but lack the necessary support.
"We really hope this app takes off and transforms the support available to them. We believe it could be a game-changer."
Details of the project were presented at the British Thoracic Society Winter Meeting in London.
Source: John von Radowitz, Irish Independent, 07/12/15
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