Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Medical Education
Date Submitted: Mar 12, 2025
Date Accepted: Nov 12, 2025
Text Message (SMS) Microlearning for Tobacco Use Disorder: A Pre-post Pilot of Clinician Confidence
ABSTRACT
Background:
Physicians play a crucial role in tobacco use disorder treatment, yet gaps in training persist. We developed a text-based educational intervention to enhance provider confidence in managing tobacco use disorder.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a text-based educational intervention in improving healthcare provider confidence in managing tobacco use disorder.
Methods:
A total of 34 individuals signed up for the intervention, with 22 completing the initial questionnaire and enrolling. Participants included attending physicians (n=4, 18.18%) and graduate medical education trainees (n=18, 81.81%). The intervention consisted of a series of text messages with key educational content and curated resource links. Confidence levels were assessed pre- and post-intervention using a self-reported scale. A paired t-test was used to analyze changes in confidence levels.
Results:
All enrolled participants completed the series, and none unsubscribed. At baseline, the average confidence level was 59.55 ± 16.29. At the conclusion, 18 participants provided post-intervention confidence ratings, with the average confidence increasing to 85.00 ± 9.70. A paired t-test confirmed a statistically significant improvement (t(17) = -10.71, P < .001). The embedded resource links were accessed 67% of the time, suggesting active engagement. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the concise, accessible nature of the intervention.
Conclusions:
A text-based educational intervention significantly improved provider confidence in managing tobacco use disorder. This low-cost, scalable approach may serve as an effective educational tool in medical training. Clinical Trial: Not applicable
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