Evaluating three theory-based interventions to increase physicians' recommendations of smoking cessation services.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate three theory-based interventions aimed at increasing the rate at which primary care physicians recommend smoking cessation services to smokers.


METHODS
Primary care physicians (n = 251) were randomized to one of four conditions: (a) information based on social cognitive theory (SCT) targeting outcome expectations, (b) information based on SCT + elaboration likelihood model, (c) feedback based on self-perception theory, or (d) control.


METHODS
Intentions to recommend and self-reported recommendations of smoking cessation services 1 week postintervention.


RESULTS
Data were analyzed using covariance and mean structure analysis. Compared with the control group, only the SCT group reported more frequently recommending services (mean difference = 1.1 recommendations per week, Cohen's d = 0.46) and higher intentions. Mediation analysis was consistent with increased intentions resulting from changes in outcome expectations. There was no evidence that changes in intentions explained self-reported behavior change.


CONCLUSIONS
The study provides preliminary "proof of principle" for further studies incorporating more robust outcome measures.
Vogt
Florian
F
Health Psychology Section, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK. florian.vogt@kcl.ac.uk
Hall
Sue
S
Hankins
Matthew
M
Marteau
Theresa M
TM
D000328:Adult; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011582:Psychological Theory; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom