Medical School Addiction Education Curriculum Framework

CONTENTS

  • Topics

    • Foundations of Addiction Medicine
    • Pharmacology and Clinical Approaches
    • Advanced Topics and Clinical Experiences
    • Research and Electives

  • Competencies

  • Entrustable Professional Activities

Opioid Response Network

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI88037 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Opioid Response Network

Topics

Foundations of Addiction Medicine

  1. Introduction to Addiction Medicine
  2. Neurobiology of Addiction
  3. Psychological Aspects of Addiction
  4. Epidemiology and Public Health

Pharmacology and Clinical Approaches

  1. Pharmacology of Addictive Substances
  2. Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis
  3. Motivational Interviewing and Counseling
  4. Treatment Modalities

Advanced Topics and Clinical Experiences

  1. Core Discipline Clerkships and Special Populations
  2. Elective Rotations
  3. Ethical and Legal Considerations
    • Informed consent in addiction treatment
    • Confidentiality and privacy issues
    • Prescribing controlled substances

Research and Electives

  1. Research in Addiction Medicine
    • Current topics
    • Clinical trials and treatment efficacy
  2. Addiction Policy and Advocacy
    • Healthcare policy related to addiction
    • Advocacy for evidence-based treatment
  3. Elective Rotation

Competencies

Medical Knowledge:

Demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving biomedical, clinical, and social-behavioral sciences, and the application of this knowledge to patient care.

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology of substance use disorders and addiction.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the neurobiology of substance use disorders.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of substance use disorders-related co-morbidities and the corresponding benefits of treatment.
  4. Apply knowledge of substance disorders and mis-use treatment guidelines to the development of a comprehensive, personalized management care plan.
  5. Apply knowledge of the pharmacological treatments of substance disorders and misuse as part the development of a comprehensive, personalized management care plan.

Provide patient care that is effective, evidence-based compassionate, and appropriate for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.

  1. Conduct thorough assessments to understand the patient’s medical, psychological, and social needs.
  2. Recognize and respect the individual aspects of patients.
  3. Advocate for patients’ rights, access to treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
  4. Demonstrate compassion, empathy, and non-stigmatizing attitudes toward patients, and recognizing that addiction is a medical condition deserving medical care.

Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, families, and professional associates.

  1. Establish open and non-judgmental communication with patients to build trust and rapport.
  2. Actively listen to patients and their families without interrupting, showing empathy and understanding.
  3. Recognize and respect patients’ individual differences.
  4. Focus on patient-centered care by involving patients in decision-making regarding their treatment plans.
  5. Communicate clearly and effectively, using language that is person-first and easily understandable to patients and their families, avoiding jargon and medical terminology.

Demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to the patient populations.

  1. Uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system. Adhere to codes of medical ethics and legal regulations governing addiction treatment.
  2. Treat all patients with respect.
  3. Safeguard patient confidentiality and privacy, recognizing that individuals seeking addiction treatment often face significant stigma.
  4. Ensure that patients provide informed consent for all aspects of their treatment, including medication-assisted therapy, counseling, and research participation.
  5. Engage in self-reflection and self-assessment to recognize own biases and prejudices

Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care, and the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value.

  1. Demonstrate understanding of how the healthcare system works, including the various stakeholders, policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms that influence addiction treatment and care.
  2. Describe the importance of collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, counselors, social workers, and pharmacists, to provide holistic care to patients with addiction issues.
  3. Stay informed about healthcare policies and regulations related to addiction treatment, at local, state, and national levels, and advocate for policies chat improve access to addiction care and support harm reduction strategies.
  4. Identify healthcare disparities related to addiction, to ensure that all patients have equal access to quality care regardless of socioeconomic status or other factors.
  5. Develop the ability to identify and utilize available resources within the healthcare system to optimize patient care.

Be able to investigate and evaluate their patient care practices, appraise, and assimilate scientific evidence, and improve their patient care practices.

  1. Recognize the significance of evidence-based practice in addiction medicine and its role in delivering high-quality patient care.
  2. Acquire skills to critically evaluate the quality, relevance, and validity of scientific evidence and research findings in the field of addiction medicine.
  3. Translate scientific evidence and research findings into clinical practice, ensuring that patient care is based on the best available evidence.
  4. Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to addiction medicine within healthcare institutions.
  5. Continuously engage in self-reflection and self-correction, adjusting patient care practices based on personal experiences and outcomes

Entrustable Professional Activities

  • Foundational Knowledge: Demonstrate working knowledge of substance use disorders and problems as a chronic disease, and the use of person-first language.
  • Foundational Knowledge: Demonstrate working knowledge of the epidemiology of the substance use disorders and the opioid epidemic.
  • Screening and Assessment: Independently screen and assess patients for substance use disorders (SUDs) and related comorbidities, including mental health issues, medical conditions, and social determinants of health, and recognize medical and emergency conditions where underlying substance use is a major fact in the condition or in responding to normal treatment.
  • Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis: Diagnose various substance use disorders, distinguishing between different substances of abuse and identifying co-occurring disorders or medical complications.
  • Treatment Planning: Develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the specific needs of patients with SUDs, including setting goals, choosing appropriate treatment modalities, and considering harm reduction strategies.
  • Pharmacotherapy Management: Demonstrate knowledge in prescribing and managing medications for addiction treatment, such as opioid agonist therapy (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine) or medications for alcohol use disorder (e.g., naltrexone, acamprosate).
  • Psychosocial Interventions: Provide at least one evidence-based psychosocial intervention, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management, tailored to individuals with SUDs.
  • Withdrawal Management: Manage patients going through withdrawal from substances safely, including assessing the need for medical detoxification and implementing appropriate protocols.
  • Monitoring and Follow-up: Monitor patient progress, performing regular follow-up visits, and adjusting treatment plans as needed to ensure long-term recovery and prevent recurrence (relapse).
  • Coordination of Care: Coordinate care with other healthcare providers, such as mental health professionals, nurses, physicians in a variety of specialties and social services, to address the holistic needs of patients with SUDs.
  • Patient Education: Provide education to patients and their families about addiction, treatment options, harm reduction strategies, and recurrence (relapse) prevention.
  • Crisis Intervention: Demonstrate knowledge of how to handle crises related to substance use, such as overdose situations, suicidal ideation, or violent behavior, and taking appropriate action to ensure patient safety.
  • Advocacy and Policy: Engage in advocacy efforts and staying informed about relevant policies and regulations to improve access to addiction treatment and support evidence-based practices.
  • Self-Care and Professional Development: Recognize the importance of self-care, stress management, and continuous professional development to maintain competence in addiction medicine.