Impact of Brief Tobacco Intervention Training on Provider Practices

Audience: Healthcare providers, those who deliver educational experiences, perform associated administrative functions, or conduct research with providers.

Key Points: Over 450 healthcare providers representing various professions employed at several institutions were recruited. Survey items measured levels of practice implementation, confidence to perform these behaviors, and tobacco treatment attitudes for activities organized based on 5A’s model of brief tobacco interventions (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) at pre-workshop and 6-month follow-up. Post-workshop responses evaluated immediate impact on attitudes, confidence, and intention to change practices. Participants were primarily White or African American, female, had been practicing for over 17 years, and had not received prior training. Some differences existed between follow-up survey completers and drop-outs. Utilizing multivariable logistic regression controlling for key covariates, high levels of pre-workshop Ask and Advise practice activities were observed, but less for others. At post-workshop, substantial increases in practice intentions were evident on all dimensions; follow-up assessment indicated sustained, significant increases over pre-workshop. Confidence ratings paralleled these findings. Minor improvements in Attitudes regarding importance of intervening and barriers were evident. Some interactions were noted with demographic factors. A standardized training experience can favorably impact providers’ practices, confidence, and attitudes regarding tobacco intervention. Given the current low rate of service delivery, such opportunities should be made widely available.

Educational Experience: Poster presentation; discussion with presenter.

Benefits: Understand healthcare providers’ typical level of evidence-based tobacco treatment implementation, the short and long-term impact of offering a standardized training workshop, and an example of how to measure change.