Evaluating a Video-Based Addiction Curriculum at a Safety Net Academic Medical Center

Abstract

Background: Since 2019, the United States (US) has witnessed an unprecedented increase in drug overdose and alcohol-related deaths. Despite this rise in morbidity and mortality, treatment rates for substance use disorder remain inadequate. Insufficient training in addiction along with a dearth of addiction providers are key barriers to addressing the current addiction epidemic. Addiction-related clinical experiences can improve trainee knowledge, yet they remain dependent on practice sites and residency training environments. Asynchronous learning, in the form of video-based modules, may serve as a complement to formal, scheduled lectures and clinical experiences. Objectives To evaluate the educational impact of a video-based addiction curriculum in 2 residency programs at a large safety net academic medical center with a high volume of patients with substance use disorders. Methods Family Medicine (FM) and Internal Medicine (IM) residency interns (PGY1s) (n = 60) had access to 28 minutes of video content related to opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) during the first 2 months of their residency training. Interns were asked to complete voluntary and anonymized pre- and post-surveys in Qualtrics that included knowledge and confidence-based questions about the management of OUD and AUD, in addition to questions about prior exposure to and future interests in addiction training and practice. Data were analyzed with non-parametric sign tests. Results Twenty-eight interns completed both OUD pre- and post-surveys, and 24 interns completed all AUD survey questions. There was a statistically significant increase in the number of interns who reported increased knowledge of and confidence around diagnosis, management, and ability to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations for both OUD and AUD. Conclusions Brief addiction focused video-modules can improve confidence and knowledge in managing OUD and AUD among medical trainees.