Goals & Background

The University of Arizona HealthCare Partnership (HCP), established in 1999, is a nationally accredited continuing education program for point-of-care providers and health influencers. It focuses on evidence-based nicotine addiction interventions through research, writing, and teaching.

Mission: HCP’s mission is to teach evidence-based methods that promote healthy lifestyles and systemic changes in health services for lifelong health. We operate under five core principles: 1) fostering population-based initiatives; 2) promoting sustainable systems; 3) upholding evidence-based practices; 4) applying theoretical foundations; and 5) encouraging community engagement.

Background: Before launching its current programs, HCP leadership managed over 30 clinical and behavioral studies through the Arizona Program for Nicotine and Tobacco Research. In 1998, HCP developed continuing education models for the Arizona Department of Health Services' Tobacco Education and Prevention Program. Since 1999, HCP has certified over 30,000 health providers in Nicotine Dependence Treatment, including nurses, pharmacists, and social workers. The curriculum, developed with local and global tobacco control groups, includes culturally adapted resources for specialized clinical areas. HCP programs equip participants with techniques to support long-term tobacco/nicotine abstinence, offering both virtual and in-person courses nationwide.

Issues Involved or Addressed

Our team’s work centers on interdisciplinary approaches to health and behavior, offering students hands-on, experiential learning opportunities to explore the following focus areas:

• Research, Writing, & Teamwork: Students will build skills in research, writing, and collaboration, particularly in education on commercial tobacco and nicotine dependence treatment, skills that are relevant across health fields.
• Health Psychology & Evidence-Based Knowledge: Students will deepen their understanding of health psychology principles and evidence-based practices, enhancing their ability to work in diverse health settings.
• Biological, Social, and Psychological Influences: Students will explore how these factors impact health and illness, developing a well-rounded perspective on health behaviors and treatment strategies.
• Spanish Communication Skills: Students involved in bilingual projects (e.g., English/Spanish) will strengthen their Spanish language skills in health communication, expanding their ability to engage with diverse populations.
• Academic Credit: Each student can earn up to three credits per semester, making it a structured, academically rewarding experience that supports progress toward their academic goals.

Methods and Tech

Scientific and Design Approaches
To carry out this work, we apply a variety of scientific and design approaches that center the voices of students and communities:

• Participatory Design: We work with students and community partners to create culturally relevant health education materials about tobacco use and treatment. These resources help health professionals better support their patients’ efforts to quit using commercial tobacco.
• Qualitative Research Methods: Students may participate in conducting thematic analysis to explore cultural, linguistic, and behavioral factors that influence health behaviors in Spanish-speaking populations.
• Program Evaluation and Iterative Design: We use formative evaluation to assess how clear, effective, and impactful our educational tools are, such as Técnicas Básicas para Dejar el Tabaco. Students help improve these materials through structured feedback and may also analyze data using SPSS, a software program used for statistical analysis.
• Human-Centered and Culturally Responsive Design: Our approach focuses on empathy, inclusive language, and accessibility. We gather feedback from students, health and human service professionals, and community members at every stage to make sure our interventions are useful and effective.