A Two-Hour Curriculum Significantly Increased Psychiatry Residents' Knowledge of Substance Use Disorders in Late Life

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Substance use disorders (SUD) in late life increase mortality and exacerbate medical and psychiatric conditions, creating a need for age-specific treatment. Psychiatrists should be trained to evaluate and treat older adults with SUD. The purpose of this project was to educate psychiatry trainees on how to identify and address late life SUD; specifically, familiarity with screening tools specific for late life and understanding how treatment differs from younger adults. <h3>Methods</h3> A 2-hour lecture was created and presented over two consecutive weeks. The information was presented to PGY-1 psychiatry residents and PA psychiatry residents using PowerPoint via Zoom. Pre- and post-tests and a course evaluation were administered. <h3>Results</h3> A t-test compared pre- and post-test scores. Results revealed significant differences between the pre- (M = 67.14, SD=22.68) and the post- (M = 88.89, SD = 12.69) test; t(21) = -2.61, p = .016. The results of the course evaluation showed that the majority of participants strongly agreed that the course was beneficial and organized well. <h3>Conclusions</h3> SUD in late life can significantly impact quality of life. Education on assessment and treatment of older adults with SUD can lead to earlier recognition, referral, and treatment. <h3>This research was funded by</h3> This lecture series was created through the Building Educational Scholarship in Psychiatry Training (BEST) fellowship by the Veterans Affairs Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine.