This pilot evaluation examined a three-session substance use disorder curriculum for 18 first-year obstetrics and gynecology residents. Training combined readings, instruction, and supervised clinical experiences. Residents reported significant improvements in screening, counseling, referral, and motivational interviewing skills; attending evaluations of a smaller group also improved. Four interviewees described the curriculum positively. The results suggest feasibility and educational benefit, but the small, uncontrolled study cannot establish long-term clinical effects.
Abstract
Objective
Amidst the current opioid crisis, there is a need for better integration of substance use disorder screening and treatment across specialties. However, there is no consensus regarding how to best instruct OBGYN trainees in the clinical skills related to opioid and other substance use disorders (SUD). Study objectives were (1) to assess the effectiveness a SUD curriculum to improve self-reported competence among OBGYN residents and (2) to explore its effectiveness to improve attending evaluations of residents’ clinical skills as well as its feasibility and acceptability from the resident perspective.
Methods
A pilot 3-session curriculum was developed and adapted to SUD screening and treatment which included readings, didactics, and supervised outpatient clinical experiences for OBGYN post-graduate year 1 (PGY-1) residents rotating through an integrated OBGYN-SUD clinic. Eighteen residents completed pre and post clinical skills self-assessments (SUD screening, counseling, referring, Motivational Interviewing) using an adapted Zwisch Rating Scale (range 1–5). Scores were compared between time points using paired t-tests. Sub-samples also (a) were evaluated by the attending on three relevant Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Milestones (ACGME) milestone sets using the web-based feedback program, myTIPreport (n = 10) and (b) completed a qualitative interview (n = 4).
Results
All PGY-1s (18/18) across three academic years completed the 3-session SUD curriculum. Clinical skill self-assessments improved significantly in all areas [SUD Screening (2.44 (0.98) vs 3.56 (0.62), p = <0.01); Counseling (1.81 (0.71) vs 3.56 (0.51), p = < .01; Referring (2.03 (0.74) vs 3.17 (0.71), p = < .01; Motivational Interviewing (1.94 (1.06) vs 3.33 (0.69), p = < .01)]. Milestone set levels assigned by attending evaluations (n = 10) also improved. Qualitative data (n = 4) revealed high acceptability; all curriculum components were viewed positively, and feedback was provided (e.g., desire for more patient exposures).
Conclusion
A pilot SUD curriculum tailored for OBGYN PGY-1 residents that goes beyond opioid prescribing to encompass SUD management is feasible, acceptable and likely effective at improving SUD core clinical skills.
