A free smoking intervention clinic initiated by medical students

To describe a medical student-run smoking intervention clinic, report initial outcomes, and assess medical student competence in smoking intervention counseling.

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.

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.

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.