PRP112: Integrating MAT into a Family Medicine Residency Curriculum: Evaluation of Changes in Attitudes, Knowledge and Skills
Jessica Parascando; Alexis Reedy-Cooper, MD, MPH, MPH; Jarrett Sell, MD, FAAFP, AAHIVS; Joy Bowen, MPIA
Abstract
Context: Opioid use disorder (OUD) has increased rampantly in recent decades, creating a significant gap between the treatment needs of the population and the capacity of healthcare providers to meet those needs. Only a small portion of residency graduates (10% nationally) report preparedness to provide Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT). Research has shown that lack of support is viewed as a significant barrier by physicians who do not provide MAT. This study will implement a training program for Family and Community Medicine (FCM) residents at Penn State Hershey Medical Center (PSHMC) to address patient healthcare needs relative to the opioid epidemic through the provision of MAT. Objective: To measure and assess changes in faculty and residents’ attitudes, knowledge, and skills relative to caring for patients with OUD pre and post curriculum. Study Design: Quasi-experimental trial. Setting: The curriculum will take place at residency clinics and classrooms at PSHMC. Surveys will be completed virtually via personal laptops. Population studied: Current FCM residents (n=24) and faculty (n=30) at PSHMC. Intervention/Instrument: The curriculum will feature didactic sessions and in-person time to complete waiver training. Residents and faculty will complete an anonymous survey through REDCap featuring the Drugs and Drug Users’ Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ) pre and post curriculum. A pregraduation survey will ask about intent to provide buprenorphine in future clinical practice. Results: For residents (n=20; 8 male), only 15% had previous experience treating patients with OUD, compared to 55.5% of faculty (n=18; 9 male). Average DDPPQ scores for both residents (68.4 out of 154) and faculty (59.7) indicated a positive attitude towards working with patients with OUD. Currently, two residents and five faculty have completed waiver training. We anticipate that the curriculum will provide an increase in the number of waivered residents and faculty, as well as positive changes in attitudes, knowledge and skills of caring for patients with OUD. Outcomes to be Reported: Post-curriculum survey results, number of residents and faculty who have completed buprenorphine waiver training, and number of residents who intend to provide buprenorphine in future clinical practice after graduating from residency.
Tim Riley
11/21/2020We need more Family Physicians providing MAT. This type of curriculum to shape attitudes and skills is very much needed. Hopefully you can scale this up and demonstrate significant change over time. Well done!