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a University of
Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Preventive and Behavioral
Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, b ESL Associates, Inc, c Massachusetts Tobacco
Control Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Correspondence to: Lori Pbert PhD, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; lori.pbert{at}umassmed.edu
Received 11 October
1999; Revision received 31 May 2000;
Accepted 5 June 2000
OBJECTIVE
To describe
the research conducted to structure and develop a statewide tobacco
training and certification programme for tobacco treatment specialists
(TTSs) in Massachusetts.
DESIGNQualitative
research strategies were used to obtain information on certification
development and opinions regarding TTS training and certification from
key informants. A role definition and validation study was then
conducted to determine the core competencies for TTSs. A comprehensive
training programme was developed, piloted, and finalised, and a
certification programme was initiated.
PARTICIPANTSKey
informants included: individuals involved in the development of their
professional certification programmes; tobacco treatment providers from
across Massachusetts; and national tobacco treatment experts.
MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURESParticipants' opinions about the need
for and structure of a training and certification programme for
individuals specialising in the provision of moderate to intensive
tobacco treatment; delineation of core competencies for TTSs, using the
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (now the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality) clinical practice guideline as a
foundation for the development of evidence based standards of practice
for the treatment of nicotine dependence.
RESULTSThe data
support a comprehensive training and certification programme for TTSs
in Massachusetts. Main concerns include the cost of obtaining
certification, the potential to exclude uncertified healthcare
professionals from delivering basic tobacco treatment, and the role of
the TTS in the healthcare delivery system and the community. The
training programme developed for Massachusetts was piloted, and the
structure of a statewide training and certification programme for TTSs
was finalised.
CONCLUSIONSThe
research provides support for the need and acceptance of a training and
certification programme for TTSs in Massachusetts, and presents the
challenges to be addressed. We demonstrated the feasibility of
developing and implementing an evidence based training programme, and
of initiating a statewide certification programme in Massachusetts.
This work will add to a national dialogue on the development of a
training and certification programme for tobacco treatment providers
and encourage further research into the potential impact of statewide
and national certification.
This article has been cited by other articles:
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  H Robbins, M Krakow, and D Warner Adult smoking intervention programmes in Massachusetts: a comprehensive approach with promising results Tob. Control, June 1, 2002; 11(90002): ii4 - 7. [Abstract] [Full Text]
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R. M DAVIS, J. SLADE, L. H. FERRY, S. GIROLAMI, C. WYDRA, and J. SIDOROV Quality improvement and accountability in the treatment of tobacco dependence: the need for a national training and certification programme Tob. Control, December 1, 2000; 9(4): 355 - 358. [Full Text]
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 A. C. Geller, J. Zapka, K. R. Brooks, C. Dube, C. A. Powers, N. Rigotti, J. O'Donnell, J. Ockene, and for the Prevention and Cessation Education Consort Tobacco Control Competencies for US Medical Students Am J Public Health, June 1, 2005; 95(6): 950 - 955. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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