An Evaluation of A Dissemination Study to Train Physicians ao Help Patients With Smoking Cessation

Abstract

One of the most promising methods of smoking cessation is the use of the physician-patient relationship. Approximately 70% of smokers see their physician each year, and with a combination of advice, support, and nicotine replacement therapy to help alleviate nicotine withdrawal, physicians can be successful in helping patients to quit. This dissemination study evaluated the Canadian Council on Smoking and Health physician training program“Guide your Patients to a Smoke-Free Future.”The program uses anAsk,Advise,Assistapproach, in which physicians are trained to ask patients simple questions and give brief advice and smoking cessation assistance. Subjects were 250 practicing physicians from all Canadian regions, who were trained in the program in a continuing medical education format. The study investigated which type of physician was most active prior to the beginning of the program, what changes in knowledge and involvement occurred as a result of the training, and what type of individuals benefited most from the program. The results indicate that the training appeared to increase knowledge and involvement in smoking cessation, and those who benefited most from the training were those who initially knew relatively little but were highly interested in learning more. Thus, the program appears to be successful in delivering training effectively to those who want it most.