Enhanced didactic methods of smoking cessation training for medical students--a randomized study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Effective smoking cessation training for medical students is crucial.
• Web-based learning offers a potential alternative to traditional teaching methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of different educational approaches for teaching smoking cessation to medical students.
• To evaluate web-based training, lectures, role-playing, and supervised patient interaction.

Main Methods:

• 140 third-year medical students received a web-based module.
• Students were randomized into four groups: web-based training, lecture, role-playing, or supervised patient interaction.
• Intervention effectiveness was assessed via an objective structured clinical examination.

Main Results:

• Supervised patient interaction and role-playing groups showed the highest clinical examination scores.
• These groups also demonstrated significantly higher rates of adequate counseling skills.
• Students in role-playing and patient interaction groups reported better self-assessed skills and higher satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Role-playing and supervised patient interaction are equally effective and superior learning tools for smoking cessation training.
• Web-based learning, with or without a lecture, is less effective than interactive methods.