Implementing smokeless tobacco instruction into medical student education: addressing the gap.
BACKGROUND
Despite the unique health and epidemiological aspects of smokeless tobacco use, medical education regarding this topic is virtually lacking.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.
Spangler
John
J
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA. jspangle@wfubmc.edu
Foley
Kristie Long
KL
Crandall
Sonia
S
Lane
Chan
C
Walker
Kathy
K
MacRae
Marla
M
Vaden
Karen
K
Marion
Gail
G
D000293:Adolescent; D003376:Counseling / Q000193:education*; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D013337:Students, Medical; D020340:Tobacco Use Cessation; D055815:Young Adult