Basic skills for working with smokers: a pilot test of an online course for medical students.
BACKGROUND
Online learning can be an excellent method for presenting clinical skills to address health behaviors.


METHODS
Medical students pilot tested a skills-building course consisting of an online component and a practical application.


RESULTS
A total of 38 students were registered, 25 (66%) completed the online component, and 22 (58%) completed both course components. Students reported they were adequately trained to administer the brief 5A intervention to patients who smoke and they intended to deliver the intervention routinely.


CONCLUSIONS
Online skills-building courses can have a positive effect on students' knowledge and skills and can be used across health behaviors promote healthy lifestyles.
White
Mary Jo
MJ
University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. maryjo.white@umassmed.edu
Ewy
Beth M
BM
Ockene
Judith
J
McIntosh
Scott
S
Zapka
Jane
J
Powers
Catherine A
CA
Geller
Alan
A
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical; D004522:Educational Status; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D009862:Online Systems; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012907:Smoking; D013337:Students, Medical