Preparing Sedgwick County Physicians to Treat Addiction: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Education
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Substance use disorders (SUDs) present a significant public health issue in the US, with many individuals not receiving necessary treatment.
• Physicians are crucial for identifying and managing SUDs through screening, brief intervention, referral, and treatment (SBIRT).
• Barriers like inadequate training, stigma, and poor awareness of treatment options hinder physician involvement in SUD care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate physician practices regarding SBIRT for SUD in Sedgwick County, Kansas.
• To identify specific barriers and facilitators influencing physician engagement in SUD care.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining structured qualitative interviews and an electronic survey.
• Twenty-six physicians, residents, and medical students participated in interviews.
• 253 physicians, residents, and medical students completed the electronic survey (17% response rate).

Main Results:

• Nearly half of physicians reported screening (49%) and referring (47%) patients for SUD.
• Fewer physicians reported providing brief interventions (38%) or direct treatment (17%).
• Key barriers included limited knowledge of local treatment resources, patient non-adherence, and time constraints.

Conclusions:

• While physicians are involved in screening and referral for SUD, direct treatment engagement is limited.
• Enhancing physician training, increasing awareness of available treatment resources, and implementing systemic support are vital.
• These improvements can boost physician participation in SUD care and improve patient access to treatment.