Demina A, Soudry-Faure A, Petit B, Meunier-Beillard N, Trojak B. Usability of a digital mindfulness training program for smoking cessation: A mixed-method single-center pilot study protocol (HowToMind). PLoS One. 2025;20(2):e0318686. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0318686
This protocol paper describes a single-center mixed-method trial, HowToMind, conducted in Dijon, France. This trial aims to investigate the usability and acceptability of a digital mindfulness-based intervention designed to complement standard smoking cessation treatments and potentiate their effects. The app delivers a full 8-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), which will ideallyclosely mirror the experience of a traditional in-person mindfulness program. HowToMind is hosted on the EXOLIS platform, a French system certified for secure storage of health data. Its content was created by addiction health professionals trained in MBIs to ensure clinical relevance and accuracy. Additional research is needed to evaluate the user experience and determine if additional co-design sessions are needed that include end users. The experimental design has two stages: (1) Guided learning phase (8 weeks), during which participants use the app alongside standard treatment, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The app includes eight themed video modules (one new one unlocked each week), weekly PDF summaries, and guided audio exercises (such as body scans, mindful movement, and breathing). Educational elements focus on managing cravings, breaking automatic smoking habits, regulating emotions, reducing self-judgment, and building acceptance. Participants are asked to use the app at least once per day. In stage two, the individual practice phase (4 weeks), participants can access all app resources freely and use them as needed to support independent, daily mindfulness practice. Mindfulness skills may help people better tolerate cravings and lower the risk of relapse after quitting smoking. Because in-person MBIs are not always available, this app could be a practical alternative. Possible side effects include typical smoking cessation symptoms and side effects from NRT, all of which will be monitored throughout the study.