Effectiveness of an online knowledge training and assessment program for stop smoking practitioners

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Professional Training
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Stop smoking practitioners (SSPs) in the English National Health Service (NHS) deliver behavioral support and medication for smoking cessation.
• An evidence-based online knowledge training program for SSPs was developed by the NHS Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the NCSCT's national online knowledge training program for SSPs.
• To assess the impact of the training on the knowledge of practitioners delivering smoking cessation interventions.

Main Methods:

• Knowledge was assessed using 25 multiple-choice questions at baseline and post-training in 778 SSPs.
• The study analyzed the change in knowledge and its correlation with training duration.
• Comparisons were made based on SSP experience, prior training, and time dedicated to smoking cessation.

Main Results:

• Mean correct answers increased from 64.4% to 77.7% (p < .001) after the training.
• Time spent on the training program was a predictor of knowledge improvement.
• The training enhanced knowledge across all performance levels and reduced disparities between groups.

Conclusions:

• The NCSCT online training program efficiently improves the knowledge base of English smoking cessation practitioners.
• All SSPs, irrespective of their initial knowledge levels, benefit from this training, leading to more effective interventions.