2017 Volume 25 Issue 3 Pages 180-194
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the e-learning training program for smoking cessation support and treatment which aims at the acquisition of practical knowledge and skills, and obtain basic data for future smoking cessation programs.
Methods: The training program consisted of three versions: smoking cessation treatment, smoking cessation advice, and smoking cessation support. A total of 1,526 health professionals, who completed the program between 2010 and 2013, were used for analysis. Comparisons were made to investigate the changes in knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and behaviors related to the support and treatment in smoking cessation. Also examined was whether the previous disparities in knowledge and other indicators were reduced after training.
Results: Knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and behaviors improved significantly with all three versions of the training program upon its completion. By dividing participants into three groups based on the scores prior to the training and comparing the changes after training, those in the lowest scoring group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and behavior compared with the other groups. After training, the disparity was reduced for all indicators as well.
Conclusion: The results of evaluating the training program, which utilizes e-learning to incorporate practical knowledge and skills, suggest that it is effective in improving the knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and certain interventional behaviors among those completing the program. It also reduced disparity in knowledge and other indicators after training.
