Opinions toward e-learning for the WHO tobacco cessation and oral health integration

Abstract

Integrating the brief tobacco interventions (3-5 min) into oral health programs in primary care is recommended by WHO. Although a sample agenda for training workshop of 2.5 days is provided for primary care providers, 1-day workshop was conducted for oral health professionals as pilot training course at three locations in Japan. The training was totally effective regarding the training objectives for dentists and dental hygienists. This study aims to clarify potential factors for dissemination of the program in Japan.After the pilot training, we conducted 1-day workshops for oral health professionals for full modules including a module of addressing non-smokers' exposure to secondhand smoke in Tokyo, Japan. In total, 104 dentists and dental hygienists participated. A questionnaire regarding nine learning objectives was provided after training. Participants then were asked to mark the level of perceived competence on a straight line (0%-100% scale) regarding five counseling skills. Finally, they were asked about opinions toward development of e-learning for the WHO tobacco cessation and oral health integration: improvement, emphasis, specific recommendation in Japan, and others. Perceived achievement of the training objectives and confidence in intervention skill were favorable overall. Various opinions regarding four items were obtained from most participants (68%, 77%, 63%, and 40%, respectively). In conclusion, improvement of the training workshop is necessary for dissemination of the program by careful consideration of opinions of the participants of workshops. Funding This study was supported by Pfizer Global Medical Grant #35621681.