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Impact of a Preclinical Elective on Medical Student Attitudes Toward People With Substance Use Disorders

Colleen Cooper1, Rebecca E Rdesinski2, Angela Douglas3

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

Primer (Leawood, Kan.)
|January 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A medical student elective improved attitudes toward patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). The course enhanced knowledge, respect, and confidence in managing neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).

Area of Science:

  • Medical Education
  • Public Health
  • Addiction Medicine

Background:

  • Rising prevalence of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) due to the ongoing opioid epidemic.
  • Established positive outcomes from specialized NOWS assessment and treatment protocols.
  • Need for enhanced medical student education on substance use disorders (SUDs), social services, and trauma-informed care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a preclinical medical student elective on attitudes and beliefs toward individuals with SUDs.
  • To assess changes in medical students' knowledge, respect, and perceived ability to assist patients with SUDs.
  • To explore themes related to professional development and empathy in medical trainees.

Main Methods:

  • Pre- and post-course surveys using an adapted Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ).
  • Thematic analysis of reflective essays from participating medical students.
  • Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for survey data.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant positive changes observed in 7 out of 22 survey questions.
  • Improvements noted in self-perceived knowledge, respect, and ability to facilitate help for patients with SUDs.
  • Reflective essays highlighted themes of professional identity, interdisciplinary values, empathy, and increased confidence.

Conclusions:

  • A combined didactic and volunteer experience elective can positively influence medical students' perceptions of individuals with SUDs.
  • Such electives may foster increased interest in primary care and addiction medicine.
  • This educational approach is crucial for effectively addressing the opioid epidemic.
Abstract

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