A free smoking intervention clinic initiated by medical students.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a medical student-run smoking intervention clinic, report initial outcomes, and assess medical student competence in smoking intervention counseling.


METHODS
Volunteer medical students of Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minn, staffed a free smoking intervention clinic in conjunction with the Salvation Army Free Acute Care Clinic between December 1997 and January 1999. Patients received a comprehensive intervention for smoking that comprised counseling, frequent follow-up contact, and pharmacologic therapy, including bupropion and nicotine replacement. Eighty-eight patients seen during the first 13 months of the clinic's operation and 30 medical student volunteer counselors were included in the study. Patients were contacted via telephone to assess 6-month self-reported smoking abstinence. Medical student counselors completed a self-assessment questionnaire surveying competence before and after working in the clinic.


RESULTS
The 6-month self-reported smoking abstinence rate was 18% (95% confidence interval, 11%-28%). Twelve of 14 medical students completing the survey reported improved competence in smoking intervention counseling.


CONCLUSIONS
A comprehensive smoking intervention program provided by medical students yielded smoking abstinence rates comparable to other treatment programs. Medical students believed they improved their smoking cessation counseling skills.
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Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
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Wolter
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Bowen
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Dale
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D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013333:Student Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D013337:Students, Medical