Outcomes from an Addiction Medicine Elective for 2nd Year PCOM DO Students

Introduction: According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a past-year substance use disorder (SUD). However, the median number of hours of content discussing this clinical issue in medical schools is seven hours. At the PCOM Philadelphia campus, 50 Second Year students (allowable limit) participated in the first Addiction Medicine Elective course in Winter 2022. This was a 6-week long program with one 2-hour session at night (6–8 pm) per week. Classes consisted of sessions with physicians having experience with SUD patients, testimony from those with SUD, Narcan training, direct involvement in a related community experience (e.g., Prevention Point), and as observers in group sessions (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous). Methods: All students were in good academic standing, and enrolled electively. There were no quizzes or exams but attendance was mandatory. Students were given a pre- and post-survey assessing their understanding of SUD, and their comfort level in talking to patients about their substance use. The survey questions were in the following format: “As a medical student I…” and were asked to give a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ option; completion was not compulsory. However, submission of a ‘reflection’ paper was mandatory. Students who successfully participated received one course credit for their transcript. Results: All 50 students responded to the survey. Twenty percent stated prior to the course that they felt comfortable in assessing a patient for addiction which increased to 100% at the end. Forty-one percent reported feeling comfortable talking to their patients about their addiction prior to the course which rose to 95% after 6 weeks. In regard to understanding the disease concept of addiction, 66% felt comfortable at the beginning which increased to 100% at the end. On Day 1 of the course, only 2% reported knowing how to access community resources for referral regarding treatment or 12-step programs; after Day 6, 91% indicated that they now knew how to access these community resources. Discussion: The pre- and post-surveys given during this addiction medicine elective showed promising results that it was effective in teaching students about SUD. Students felt more comfortable identifying patients with this serious medical condition, and in talking to their future patients about substance use. They also reported a better understanding of the disease process of addiction. This course is a viable option to increase the knowledge and confidence of future physicians when it comes to treating patients with SUD