Evaluation of Multidisciplinary Tobacco Cessation Training Program in a Large Health Care System

Abstract

Background: Health care professionals can have a dramatic impact by assisting patients with tobacco cessation but most have limited training. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-hour tobacco cessation training program. Methods: A team of multidisciplinary health care professionals created a veteran-specific tailored version of the Rx for Change program. The curriculum was administered through local trainings at 5 Veterans Affairs facilities. Participants completed pre- and posttraining surveys to assess key knowledge-based competency components, perceived ability to implement the 5 A's of treatment (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange), and self-efficacy for overall ability to assist patients with quitting. Results: A total of 205 out of 291 health care professionals completed pre- and posttraining surveys. Participants reported significant improvement in their overall ability and ability to implement the 5 A's of tobacco treatment (P < .0001). No significant differences were found between health care disciplines on overall ability posttraining. Conclusion: The training increased clinicians’ knowledge and perceived self-efficacy. The analysis is the first evaluation that supports a face-to-face, multidisciplinary training model across a large health care system. Translation to Health Education Practice: With increased evaluation of this training model, Health Educators of large health care systems should provide multidisciplinary, tobacco cessation trainings to health care professionals.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Lorraine Bem and Madelyn Phillips for their contributions to the accreditation process. The authors declare that no conflict of interests exists. In addition, this study was not funded and the authors have no financial conflicts to disclose.