Implementing smokeless tobacco instruction into medical student education: addressing the gap

Abstract

Background: Despite the unique health and epidemiological aspects of smokeless tobacco use, medical education regarding this topic is virtually lacking.

Description: The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive tobacco curriculum that includes smokeless tobacco education. A thorough review of the literature was carried out to develop includes 8 modules in basic and clinical sciences that are evaluated by pretest/posttest increases in knowledge as well as standardized patient encounters and process evaluation.

Evaluation: Pretest/posttest data indicate that students increased knowledge on specific smokeless tobacco questions. Students also scored well on interactions with standardized patients using the Tobacco Intervention Risk Factor Interview Scale, a validated instrument to assess medical students' tobacco counseling skills. Process evaluation data indicate that modules were generally well received.

Conclusions: This Web-based, comprehensive curriculum-the only curriculum we are aware of treating the topic of smokeless tobacco use-appears to be effective and well received. Smokeless tobacco should be included in medical education.