Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Basic skills for working with smokers: A pilot test of an online course for medical students

  • Articles
  • Published:
Journal of Cancer Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background. Online learning can be an excellent method for presenting clinical skills to address health behaviors.Methods. Medical students pilot tested a skills-building course consisting of an online component and a practical application.Results. A total of 38 students were registered, 25 (66%) completed the online component, and 22 (58%) completed both course components. Students reported they were adequately trained to administer the brief 5A intervention to patients who smoke and they intended to deliver the intervention routinely.Conclusions. Online skill-building courses can have a positive effect on students’ knowledge and skills and can be used across health behaviors promote healthy lifestyles.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Lewis KO, Baker RC. Development and implementation of an online master’s degree in education program for health care professionals. Acad Med. 2005;80:141–146.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Bruce B. Education: learning anywhere, anytime. J Adolesc Adult Literacy. 1999;42:662–665.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Globe Network Academy. Available at: http://www.gnacademy.org. Accessed July 25, 2006.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: http://www. cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/aag/osh.htm. Accessed January 31, 2006.

  5. Wilson JF. Patient counseling and education: should doctors be doing more? Ann Intern Med. 2006;144:621–624.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Kottke TE, Brekke ML, Solberg LI. Making “time” for preventive services. Mayo Clin Proc. 1993;68:785–791.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Fiore M, Bailey W, Cohen S, et al. Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. Clinical Practice Guideline. Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service; 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Geller AC, Zapka J, Brook KR, et al. Tobacco control competencies for US medical students. Am J Public Health. 2005;95:950–955.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Pbert L, Ockene JK, Ewy BM, Leicher ES, Warner D. Development of a state wide tobacco treatment specialist training and certification programme for Massachusetts. Tob Control. 2000;9:372–381.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Batalden P, Leach D, Swing S, Dreyfus H, Dreyfus S. General competencies and accreditation in graduate medical education. Health Aff. 2002;21:103–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Steele DJ, Johnson Palensky JE, Lynch TG, Lacy NL, Duffy SW. Learning preferences, computer attitudes and student evaluation of computerized instruction. Med Educ. 2002;36:225–232.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Lynch TG, Steele DJ, Johnson Palensky JE, Lacy NL, Duffy SW. Learning preferences, computer attitudes, and test performance with computer-aided instruction. Am J Surg. 2001;181:368–371.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Pederson LL, Blumenthal DS, Dever A, McGrady G. A web-based smoking cessation and prevention curriculum for medical students: why, how, what and what next. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2006;25:39–47.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Powers CA, Zapka JG, Bognar B, et al. Evaluation of current tobacco curriculum at 12 US medical schools. J Cancer Educ. 2004;19:212–219.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Massachusetts Medical School, H8-536, 55 Lake Avenue North, 01655, Worcester, MA

    Mary jo White MS, MPH, Beth M. Ewy MPH, CHES & Judith Ockene PHD, MED

  2. University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY

    Scott Mcintosh PHD

  3. Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

    Jane Zapka SCD

  4. and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA

    Catherine A. Powers EDD, LSW & Alan Geller MPH, RN

Authors
  1. Mary jo White MS, MPH
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Beth M. Ewy MPH, CHES
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Judith Ockene PHD, MED
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Scott Mcintosh PHD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jane Zapka SCD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Catherine A. Powers EDD, LSW
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Alan Geller MPH, RN
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mary jo White MS, MPH.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

White, M.j., Ewy, B.M., Ockene, J. et al. Basic skills for working with smokers: A pilot test of an online course for medical students. J Canc Educ 22, 254 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174126

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174126

Keywords

Search

Navigation