Evaluation of Multidisciplinary Tobacco Cessation Training Program in a Large Health Care System

Background: Health care professionals can have a dramatic impact by assisting patients with tobacco cessation but most have limited training. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-hour tobacco cessation training program. Methods: A team of multidisciplinary health care professionals created a veteran-specific tailored version of the Rx for Change program. The curriculum was administered through local trainings at 5 Veterans Affairs facilities. Participants completed pre- and posttraining surveys to assess key knowledge-based competency components, perceived ability to implement the 5 A's of treatment (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange), and self-efficacy for overall ability to assist patients with quitting. Results: A total of 205 out of 291 health care professionals completed pre- and posttraining surveys. Participants reported significant improvement in their overall ability and ability to implement the 5 A's of tobacco treatment (P<.0001). No significant differences were found between health care disciplines on overall ability posttraining. Conclusion: The training increased clinicians' knowledge and perceived self-efficacy. The analysis is the first evaluation that supports a face-to-face, multidisciplinary training model across a large health care system. Translation to Health Education Practice: With increased evaluation of this training model, Health Educators of large health care systems should provide multidisciplinary, tobacco cessation trainings to health care professionals.