Preparing nurses to intervene in the tobacco epidemic: Developing a model for faculty development and curriculum redesign

As the largest group of health professionals, nurses have a tremendous potential to help curb the tobacco epidemic. However, studies conducted across a range of global settings continue to indicate that both practicing nurses and nursing student have limited knowledge, skills and confidence needed to implement evidence-based tobacco cessation interventions. A contributing factor is the limited inclusion of tobacco control content in nursing curricula. Additionally, there is limited understanding of nurse educators' knowledge and perceptions about teaching tobacco dependence content. This paper presents the Loma Linda University School of Nursing's concurrent experience with both faculty development and curriculum redesign in the area of tobacco dependence prevention and treatment. An internal survey was administered at baseline and at 2-year follow-up to assess faculty's knowledge, perceptions and practices related to teaching tobacco dependence content and skills (n = 42). Faculty and curriculum development strategies and resources utilized, evaluation findings and subsequent lessons learned are described. The findings have implications for nursing programs seeking to enhance their curricula and commitment to ensuring that their graduates are prepared to provide evidence-based tobacco cessation interventions with each patient they encounter.

Evaluation of a theory-based education program to motivate nursing students to intervene with their seriously mentally ill clients who use tobacco

Tobacco dependence is a major health problem for persons with a serious mental illness (SMI). Nurses working with psychiatric clients often lack the knowledge, ability, and confidence to offer their clients meaningful, effective help to quit smoking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a tobacco education program on the perceived competence and motivation of baccalaureate nursing students (BSN) to intervene with SMI clients who use tobacco. The education program significantly improved the competence and motivation of BSN students to deliver cessation interventions to this vulnerable population of smokers.

Faculty-perceived barriers and benefits to teaching tobacco cessation

AIM

The study explored nurse faculty beliefs regarding patient tobacco use and the promotion of patient tobacco cessation.The second aim explored perceived barriers and benefits in teaching baccalaureate students about patient tobacco use and cessation.

BACKGROUND

Nurse faculty have a role in ensuring that graduates entering the nursing profession are knowledgeable, skillful, and have the self-efficacy needed to take action regarding patient tobacco use and cessation.

METHOD

Four 90-minute focus group interviews were taped, transcribed, and analyzed.

RESULTS

Two major themes were identified: barriers and opportunities. Barriers included a knowledge deficit about patient tobacco use and cessation, which lagged behind published evidence. Opportunities included perceptions that providing patient tobacco cessation should occur throughout the nursing process during nurse-patient interactions.

CONCLUSION

Nursing faculty development regarding patient tobacco use and cessation needs to occur as well as the development and dissemination of curriculum resources.