Training Medical Student Counselors for the Rochester Model, a Hospital Tobacco Treatment Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Tobacco Cessation

Background:

• Effective tobacco dependence treatments for hospitalized patients are challenging.
• The Rochester Model previously relied on nurses for counseling, facing strain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Nurse shortages and job stress prompted a shift towards involving medical students in patient counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of training medical students to provide tobacco dependence treatment counseling.
• To assess patient outcomes and student satisfaction with the revised counseling model.

Main Methods:

• First- and second-year medical students received 2.5 hours of remote training.
• Students provided bedside and post-discharge counseling, collaborating with the New York State Quitline.
• Patient outcomes were tracked for up to 6 months, with 124 patients enrolled.

Main Results:

• 89% of students reported satisfaction with the training.
• Bedside counseling confidence exceeded phone counseling confidence.
• 7-day point prevalence quit rates at 6 months were 43% (as-treated) and 14% (intent-to-treat).

Conclusions:

• Medical students, with minimal training, can serve as effective, no-cost tobacco cessation counselors.
• The Rochester Model, utilizing student counselors, offers benefits to patients, students, and the healthcare system.
• This approach addresses challenges in providing continuous tobacco dependence treatment.