Evaluation of a Substance Use Disorder Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Teaching about diagnosis, treatment, and sequelae of substance use disorders (SUDs) is insufficient in most Internal Medicine residency programs. To address this, the authors developed, implemented, and evaluated a novel and comprehensive SUD curriculum for first year residents (interns) in Internal Medicine, which anchors the ensuing 3-year longitudinal SUD curriculum. This intern curriculum includes didactic and experiential elements and allows skills practice. Topics include local epidemiology of substance abuse, neurobiology of SUDs, and screening, treatment, and referral. The entire curriculum is delivered over 7 hours during a month-long ambulatory rotation. Among 58 interns who have completed a pre-post evaluation of the curriculum, the majority reported an increased sense of responsibility for and confidence in treating patients with SUDs.