Tobacco Prevention/Cessation Education: Medical Students

Boston University Medical Campus, Boston MA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Tobacco use causes about one of every five deaths in the United States and is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in our nation. At least 70 percent of smokers visit a physician each year, but most are not advised or assisted in any attempt to quit. While more than 90 percent of children visit a pediatrician annually, little is known about the prevalence of smoking prevention counseling. Few practicing physicians are prepared to prevent smoking or help patients stop smoking and a majority of medical school graduates are not adequately trained to counsel families, treat nicotine dependence, or minimize smoking initiation among youth. Shortcomings in tobacco control curriculum in medical schools is a well-recognized deficit. Since 1996, Boston University has developed a curriculum with 10-15 new hours of tobacco control curriculum for students graduating in the year 2000, interwoven into major preclinical and clinical courses, Boston University?s effort follows successful integration of tobacco related curricula at the University of Massachusetts (since 1990). Other Universities have begun tobacco control education with many opportunities to test and evaluate new curriculum in multiple contexts. In this project, II medical schools from throughout the United States, with a wide range of depth and breadth of tobacco curricula, will collaborate with Boston University to develop, refine, and integrate new modules, train medical school faculty, evaluate teaching content, assess opportunities for diffusion to and adoption by other schools, and disseminate teaching guides, We anticipate that exemplary universities of tobacco teaching can be developed and serve as regional and national role models. We are aided in this effort by national representatives of major primary care prance organizations, preventive health specialists, medical student organizations, and cancer control advocates. With expertise in medical student education, curriculum development, faculty training, and evaluation for tobacco prevention and cessation, we have the following specific aims: Aim1 - Assess current curriculum and convene a national conference Aim2 - Develop new modules, plans for integration, and faculty training Aim3 - Conduct trial implementation Aim4 - Conduct a comprehensive, formative, process and impact evaluation Aim5 - Disseminate teaching guides to other medical schools