Buprenorphine and Opioid Use Disorder Training: Graduate Nursing Curricula Recommendations

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) presents a significant public health challenge.
• A critical shortage exists in healthcare providers trained to prescribe buprenorphine for OUD treatment.
• Integrating OUD content and waiver training into curricula is essential to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review advanced practice RN (APRN) and medical school programs incorporating OUD content or waiver training.
• To evaluate the outcomes of these curricular modifications on student knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes.
• To assess the impact on clinical practice and patient access to buprenorphine.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of educational programs for APRNs and medical students.
• Analysis of curricula including Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) content and Drug Addiction Treatment Act waiver training.
• Evaluation of pre- and post-training outcomes, including knowledge, self-efficacy, and stigma.

Main Results:

• Programs incorporating OUD content and waiver training demonstrated improved student knowledge and self-efficacy in managing buprenorphine treatment.
• Training led to a significant reduction in student stigma toward individuals with OUD.
• Positive student perceptions and improved practice outcomes related to buprenorphine use were observed.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing APRN and medical school curricula with OUD content and buprenorphine waiver training is effective.
• Such training increases the number of qualified buprenorphine prescribers.
• This expansion of the prescriber workforce is crucial for improving access to OUD treatment for affected individuals.