Demonstrating the Efficacy of Incorporating Peers Into Addiction Training for Internal Medicine Residents

Although internists frequently care for patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), they do not receive training that is adequate for the task. The resultant deficiencies in care are compounded by widespread stigma toward SUDs that exists within medicine. However, research demonstrates that sharing personal perspectives and experiences of living with an SUD generate empathy and change attitudes toward this disorder. The objective of this study was to improve internal medicine residents' attitudes with an educational seminar that incorporates perspectives from patients with SUDs and their families.

The study was conducted with internal medicine residents at Weill Cornell Medical College from February 2019 to August 2019. The study used a cross-sectional, longitudinal survey design. Attitudes were measured using a validated Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS).

A total of 31 internal medicine residents participated. Results showed significant increases in MCRS scores, both from pre- to post-seminar and 6 months after the seminar. For alcohol use disorder, mean (SD) MCRS score increased from 3.80 (SD = 0.69) to 4.60 (SD = 0.87) to 5.00 (SD = 0.68) (P < .001). For opioid use disorder, mean MCRS score increased from 3.30 (SD = 0.92) to 4.36 (SD = 0.99) to 4.62 (SD = 0.70) (P < .001).

The study demonstrates that long-term attitudes toward patients with SUDs may be modified through training that integrates peer-based perspectives.