Incorporating Tobacco/Nicotine Dependence Treatment Education Into a Nurse Practitioner Program

Abstract

Health professionals are positioned to provide evidence-based tobacco/nicotine dependence treatment. However, insufficient training has been identified as a barrier to routine treatment. This project integrated evidence-based tobacco/nicotine dependence treatment education into a family nurse practitioner/doctor of nursing practice program curricula over 2 student cohorts. After the curricular enhancements, family nurse practitioner/doctor of nursing practice students reported increased motivation and confidence in assisting patients with tobacco cessation, along with greater confidence and comfort in delivering evidence-based cessation support. These findings suggest that incorporating formal education on tobacco/nicotine dependence treatment into advanced nursing programs can better prepare providers to implement consistent, effective cessation interventions.