Internet-Based Learning for Professionals in Addiction Psychiatry: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Distance learning techniques are gaining popularity as the internet today is a faster and more convenient source of spreading exhaustive information. We aim at conducting a scoping review on the utility of internet-based learning in addiction psychiatry.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane using the following keywords: Distance education, substance related disorder, teaching, internet, along with the MeSH terms ("Internet" AND "Teaching" AND "Substance Related Disorders") OR ("Distance Education" AND "Substance Related Disorders"). The reference lists of articles were searched for other relevant literature.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies were included. Most of the courses offered online were on specific therapies, for example, training on motivational interviewing, twelve-step facilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, alcohol screening, and brief intervention. They were based on various aspects of distance learning such as the acquisition of knowledge or skills, feasibility, level of satisfaction of the trainees/students, the cost-effectiveness of the techniques, and the type of trainees who have access to the course. The majority of the studies showed positive findings in terms of the parameter being studied. However, the level of satisfaction among the students is questionable.

CONCLUSION

Internet-based teaching programs provide a good alternative to traditional educational methods in terms of effectiveness, feasibility, and acquisition of knowledge and skills. We emphasize the use of internet-based training in addiction psychiatry reinforced by actual practical experiences.

The Health System and Policy Implications of Changing Epidemiology for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers in the United States From 1995 to 2016

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers are typically grouped under the general term, "oral cancer." Yet, the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers is increasing in the United States, while the incidence of oral cavity cancers has declined. These 2 distinct but conflated groups of oral cancers are attributed to different risk factors. Incidence and survival trends were examined across US population groups and by anatomical subsite. Disparities in incidence and survival by sex, race/ethnicity, and subsite were identified. Risk factors are complex, interactive, and not fully identified. Cancer control research illustrates health disparities in access to care and patient outcomes. Database and supplemental searches yielded 433 articles published between 1995 and 2016 characterizing aspects of oral cancer epidemiology relating to incidence, survival, risk, disparities, and cancer control. Oral cavity cancer survival in black men remains the most intractable burden. Although understanding of oral cancer etiology is improving, application to policy is limited. Cancer control efforts are diverse, sporadic, limited in scope, and generally lacking in success, and they need stratification by oral cavity cancers/oropharyngeal cancers. Further intervention and epidemiologic research, improved workforce capacity, and integrated care delivery are identified as important directions for public health policy. Sustained, multilevel campaigns modeled on tobacco control success are suggested.

Relationships Between Tobacco Abuse and Self-Assessment of Health

Smoking cigarettes negatively influences the functioning of the body. Among other effects, it has an important impact on the respiratory system, circulation, and behavior. It leads to morphological and physiological changes in organs and tissues, so it can change mood. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between tobacco abuse and self-assessment of health. The survey was conducted among Polish (243) and foreign (80) medical students at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. The study was based on a survey questionnaire of the authors' own design, comprising open and multi-choice questions. Our questionnaire was based on the international standard questionnaire from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study (Currie et al. 2009). 80 % of students surveyed were free of any chronic diseases. The results showed that only 23 % of the women and 20 % of the men assessed their health as very good, over 60 % as good, and the remaining at lower levels. We did not observe significant differences between smokers and non-smokers. Physical activity in both groups was generally assessed as good or sufficient. We did not observe significant differences between groups in the incidence of headache, abdominal pain, or vertigo. Significant differences were found in the intake of painkillers.

Smoking-cessation e-referrals: a national dental practice-based research network randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of death and morbidity in the U.S. Web-assisted tobacco interventions are an effective but underutilized tool in assisting smokers with quitting. The dental visit is an excellent opportunity to assist smokers in quitting by referring them to these tobacco-cessation online programs.

PURPOSE

The study purpose was to test two patient referral methods-paper referrals (information prescriptions) versus paper plus e-referrals-to a web-assisted smoking-cessation induction system.

DESIGN

RCT that used implementation research methods.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

A total of 100 community-based dental practices were enrolled and 1814 smokers were referred to the web-assisted tobacco induction system.

INTERVENTION

The study intervention was a proactive e-referral of smokers to a web-assisted tobacco induction system called Decide2Quit.org, and the control group used paper referrals (information prescriptions) to refer smokers to the Decide2Quit.org.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The outcome measurements were the referral numbers, Decide2Quit registration numbers, and the smokers' quit rate. Data were collected in 2010-2011 and analyses were completed in 2012.

RESULTS

Although total referrals from intervention practices was lower than control, subsequent proportions of registrations among smokers referred to Decide2Quit.org were nearly fourfold higher (adjusted mean percentages: 29.5% vs 7.6%, p<0.01) in intervention compared with control practices. Subsequent rates of cessation among referred smokers were threefold higher (adjusted mean percentages: 3.0% vs 0.8%, p=0.03) in intervention practices as compared with control.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention practices using the e-referral system had higher smoker registration numbers and higher quit smoking rates than the control practices. This study finds that e-referrals are effective in getting smokers to the web-assisted smoking-cessation induction system and in assisting with quitting that more than compensates for any additional effort that e-referrals require on the part of the practitioner.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

DPBRN Hygienists Internet Quality Improvement in Tobacco Cessation (HiQuit); NCT01108432.

Oral health attitudes and behaviours of final-year dental students

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study of final-year dental students in 10 classes (1997, 2001-2009) were to examine their self-reported oral health attitudes and behaviours and describe any trends in these attributes.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Students were surveyed in final semester via an anonymous questionnaire (34 behaviour questions; eight attitude statements). Distributions, trends over time and attitude-behaviour associations were examined.

RESULTS

Of 583 students, 459 responded (79%). All tooth-brushed with fluoride toothpaste; 80% brushed ≥2/day. Overall, 85% flossed; over time flossing behaviour increased significantly (P < 0.05), and those flossing 1-2/day increased (P < 0.005). Over time, significant decreases occurred in those taught toothbrushing (P < 0.001) and flossing (P < 0.05), and in use of mouth rinses (P < 0.05) and tooth cleansing sticks/picks (P < 0.001). Almost all (96%) had received a dental examination; 77% attended a dentist 1-3/year. Between-meal snacking was common (84%); 71% chewed gum. Although 18% had ever smoked, 5% currently smoked. Most strongly agreed they expected to keep most of their teeth for all their life (76%); their future needs for fillings would be minimal (61%); smoking could adversely affect their teeth or gums (85%); and regular dental attendance was important for their dental health (51%). Congruent attitudes and behaviours favouring oral health were widely held concerning dental attendance, flossing and smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Final-year dental students showed well established, favourable oral hygiene attitudes and behaviours, with evidence to suggest this knowledge was developed whilst in dental school. Despite many ceasing smoking, 5% still smoked. All dental students should receive training in motivational counselling and tobacco cessation to ensure this is included in patient care.

Cigarette smoking among students and the influence of legal regulations on passive smoking

Research suggests that reducing the degree of nicotine addiction in the population cannot be achieved only by prevention programs. Legislative measures are necessary to be taken by the state. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of tobacco abuse in three groups of students. It also assesses the influence of ban on smoking in public places on passive contact of students with tobacco. A customized survey made up of open and closed questions was conducted among 102 students of electrical faculty, 109 medical students, and 71 students of animal husbandry faculty. The results showed that significantly more women from the electrical faculty smoked. Among the students of animal husbandry, men smoke significantly more cigarettes than women. Women studying animal husbandry start smoking significantly earlier (by about 2 years) than women from other faculties. They are also significantly less likely to smoke cigarettes at school and at home. According to the study, the Polish law to ban smoking in public places, in force since the 15th of November 2010, did not make students quit smoking, although the rate of smoking students decreased. Students did not observe restrictions on smoking in their environment. The study indicates a positive influence of the anti-nicotine legislation on passive smoking, just after 3 months from its introduction.