Comprehensive Statewide Tobacco Cessation Training Utilizing Multiple Modalities and Curricula in Motivational Interviewing in Rural and Underserved Areas

INTRODUCTION: In Florida, 20% of all deaths are linked to cigarette smoking causing a significant drain on states financial resources. The implementation of comprehensive training of current and future health care providers using Motivational Interviewing effectively engages patients and motivate them to seek cessation services. The training curriculum includes the CDC Best Practices in Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs and Clinical Practice Guidelines employing evidence-based recommendations in prevention and training to current and future providers.

OBJECTIVE: To implement multiple Tobacco Cessation Training modalities and an integrated curricula including Motivational Interviewing with community health care providers throughout Florida's 67 counties utilizing evidenced-based curricula.

METHODS: Describe the implementation of the Florida AHEC Network Tobacco Cessation Training Initiative curricula focused on Motivational Interviewing.

RESULTS: Over 3,500 current and future health care providers are located at community-based sites throughout the state of Florida received AHEC tobacco training on Motivational Interviewing. Health providers were trained to effectively engage patients and motivate them to seek cessation services, thus, enhancing access to tobacco cessation programs.

CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive curricula utilizing multiple training modalities were employed to accommodate the training needs of health care providers from numerous communities throughout the state of Florida. A method to collect quantitative and qualitative data was developed and implemented to document these efforts.

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