Podcasts as a Method to Deliver Education on Stigma Surrounding Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a podcast miniseries to reduce stigma surrounding opioid use disorder (OUD) among student pharmacists. Students in their second and third professional years from two schools of pharmacy listened to five, 10–23 min podcasts incorporated into their coursework. The podcasts highlighted: (1) interviews with OUD professionals and those with lived experiences; (2) types of stigma and how it affects health outcomes; (3) OUD disease state processes, and (4) harm reduction strategies. Surveys assessed changes in perception of OUD and its associated stigma and included free-response and Likert scale questions. Subjects (n = 121) who completed a pre- and post-podcast survey were included. Paired t-tests assessed changes in survey responses from baseline and a content analysis was performed on all free-responses. There was a statistically significant change from baseline for each survey question, demonstrating a decrease in stigma towards OUD. Free-responses were categorized into four learning domains: (1) Impact of stigma on access to care; (2) Compassion and empathy; (3) Resources and support; and (4) Call to action. Podcasts can be an effective tool to reduce student pharmacist stigma associated with OUD.

Leveraging neuroscience education to address stigma related to opioid use disorder in the community: a pilot study

“…Additionally, the exact psychological mechanisms that underlie the observed decrease in OUD stigma are unclear. Others factors that may contribute include the impact of increased social support and connection with other participants with similar backgrounds ( 26 , 27 ), the above-mentioned hopeful and recovery-oriented message, and the use of personal stories from those with lived experience, which have been separately shown to decrease stigma ( 28 ).…”

Hunting for Pearls: A Qualitative Analysis of the Reflections of Students Creating Psychiatric Podcasts

“…It is noted that students recommended a trigger warning for topics such as self-harm or suicide. By extension, it is worth noting that podcasts can provide opportunity for asynchronous learning, 27 allowing students to learn about more sensitive and possibly triggering topics in an individually paced time. The inclusion of a trigger warning might allow listeners to not only seek required support but given the podcast format, learn within a personally chosen safe environment.…”

“…Lived experience and personal connection have been associated with a reduced stigma of addiction when used within podcasts. 27 Stigma-reduction is an important movement within psychiatry, suggesting podcasts may play a supportive role within this specialty.…”

Leveraging neuroscience education to address stigma related to opioid use disorder (OUD) in the community: A pilot study

“…Additionally, the exact psychological mechanisms that underlie the observed decrease in OUD stigma are unclear. Others factors that may contribute include the impact of increased social support and connection with other participants with similar backgrounds (Heilig et al, 2016; Judd et al, 2023), the above-mentioned hopeful and recovery-oriented message, and the use of personal stories from those with lived experience, which have been separately shown to decrease stigma (Kissell et al, 2022).…”