1. Using the Internet to Train Tobacco Treatment Specialists Beth M. Ewy, MPH, CHES UMass Medical School Worcester, Massachusetts

2. Objectives Describe basic components of the online course Describe procedures for evaluating both students and the course Discuss the benefits of and challenges to online learning

3. Brief Historical Note Original material developed by Dr. John Slade as Day 1 of 8-day TTS training Adapted to a 2-day in person training Intent: Cover all basic info needed for clinicians who work with tobacco users to start dialog around tobacco use Became prerequisite to TTS Core training; trained over 720 people b/t 2000 & Feb 2003 90% funding cut in 2002 forced switch to online format

4. Basic Course Components Content based on formative research, interviews with those in the field & upon PHS guidelines In person course included: PH perspective, including PHS guideline Understanding addiction Stages of change/behavior change theory Health consequences of smoking Proper use of pharmacotherapy Basic counseling skills 5A interventions, systems change Tobacco treatment-related resources

5. Online Adaptation In person PPT presentations Brainstorming Small group exercises and practice time Pre/post test Written evaluation Online Annotated slides Discussion threads Individual exercises & application quizzes Post test only Online evaluation

6. Evaluation Course evaluation: --Piloted course and revised according to feedback --Every registrant required to complete course evaluation before CEUs issued Student evaluation: --Must complete 2 exercise/quizzes plus final 20- item posttest

7. What does the course look like?

12. I would like to show the portal page, the syllabus page, a page from one of the tests or exercises, maybe a portion of the gradebook page if I can block out names, and a couple other selected pages from the course, totaling about 6 or 7slides.

25. Who is taking the course? Over 140 enrolled March–November 2003 87% female 31% College graduate; 47% > Bachelors 32% ≤ 40; 44% 41-50; 23% > 50 47% from hospital or medical center Prime takers: Respiratory therapists, RNs, health educators, social workers, substance abuse and mental health counselors

26. Lessons Learned: Benefits Web-based learning can be effective: --wide reach, including those who work in isolated settings --can bring in diversity of participants --can put many resources online --brings everyone to baseline level prior to more intensive training --relatively inexpensive to administer --convenient for learner

27. Lessons Learned: Challenges There is considerable initial investment (time and money) up front to develop course Ongoing support is necessary to maintain and administer program (registration and payment, trouble-shooting, monitoring discussion threads and chat rooms, updating curriculum, sending out CEUs and certificates of completion, etc.)

28. Lessons Learned: Challenges Web-based learning can be frustrating for the learner: --lack of computer literacy or computer problems --learning styles differ --difficult to sit in front of computer for 11- 12 hours --lack of interaction with other students

29. Lessons Learned: Final Thoughts Web-based options have become the norm, not the exception. Web-based learning is not a panacea! It can be, however, an integral part of a more extensive training program.

30. For more information.... To learn more about this course, go to www.umassmed.edu/behavmed/tobacco and click on TTS Training and Certification, OR www.umassmed.edu/behavmed/tobacco Contact Beth Ewy at 508-856-2935, beth.ewy@umassmed.edu, OR beth.ewy@umassmed.edu See informational flyer on back table