Improving Management of Opioid Use Disorder Training With Novel Resident Co-PCP Model.

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Medicine
• Addiction Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• Primary care physicians (PCPs) are recommended to implement medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) programs to combat the opioid epidemic.
• A significant barrier to MOUD implementation is resident physicians' perceived lack of preparedness.
• Increased exposure to MOUD in resident continuity practices is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and assess a novel co-primary care physician (PCP) model designed to increase resident exposure to MOUD.
• To evaluate the impact of this co-PCP model on resident MOUD patient panels in a rural continuity practice.

Main Methods:

• A co-PCP model was designed, reviewed, and implemented in a rural Pacific Northwest health clinic.
• The model aimed to increase the number of MOUD visits managed by residents.
• Resident MOUD patient panels were measured before and after the co-PCP model implementation.

Main Results:

• Following the implementation of the co-PCP model, the proportion of residents with at least three MOUD patients increased from 25% (2 residents) to 100% (8 residents).
• This significant increase was observed over an 8-month period.
• The novel model demonstrated success in expanding resident MOUD patient panels.

Conclusions:

• The co-PCP model effectively enhanced resident exposure to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) care within their continuity practices.
• This innovative model shows promise as a strategy to better prepare graduating residents to provide MOUD services.
• Expanding access to MOUD through such practice changes can contribute to addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic.