Learning Objectives: Recognize the need in medical/dental education for a comprehensive curriculum in tobacco intervention
Abstract:
Medical and dental offices can play an active role in helping patients with tobacco cessation. The purpose of this survey study was to ascertain the perceived readiness of graduating seniors in medicine, dentistry and dental hygiene classes to provide patients with tobacco intervention therapy.
Spring of 2001 graduates in medicine, dentistry and dental hygiene were asked to voluntarily return written anonymous surveys following graduation. Three groups of questions were asked. The first asked about perceived numbers of hours of instruction in tobacco related diseases, intervention methods and clinical counseling experiences; the second group asked their confidence to counsel patients and provide pharmaceuticals in a range of procedures; the third asked about personal history of tobacco use.
Results represent an overall 64% voluntary return rate. Nearly all students in all three programs felt confident in educating patients about tobacco-related diseases and in providing brief interventions. Significant differences were observed regarding the question about providing a systematic office program for intervention when correlated for gender and personal tobacco use history: males, 22.5% MD and 20% DMD, compared to females 13.9% MD, 7% DMD and 14.3% DH, reported confidence in providing systematic programs (P.<.001). Of a total of 154 combined returns 10 males and 5 females reported to be regular tobacco users. Of this group of 15 individuals 13 (87%) reported confidence in providing systematic office interventions. (P.<005).
Discussion: It appears that experience using tobacco may give counselors a higher degree of confidence in helping patients to quit.
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