The article, “Implementation and Evaluation of Primary Care Team Participation in Opioid Use Disorder Learning Sessions,” has been published in SAj in Volume 44 Issue 1-2.
In this commentary, the authors state that previous studies show that some primary care clinicians do not feel equipped to treat patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). This study addressed the gaps in confidence and knowledge of primary care physicians and other participants (i.e., participants who were not physicians) in diagnosing, treating, prescribing, and educating patients with OUD through interactive learning sessions.
In the AUTHORS’ OWN WORDS, they relate the importance of their work:
“Our study extends upon previous OUD research, incorporating physician and other participants (i.e., participants who were not physicians, e.g., nurse practitioner, licensed practical nurse, physician assistant, mental health specialist, non-clinical administrative staff, and other) in monthly OUD learning sessions. These sessions were based on the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes® (ECHO®) Model. Project ECHO has shown to impact primary care clinicians’ knowledge, confidence, and/or self-efficacy on several topics, including OUD.”
“This study demonstrated all participants’ participation in OUD learning sessions increased confidence and knowledge across curriculum topics. All may benefit from increased knowledge and confidence in diagnosing, treating, prescribing, and educating patients with OUD. These team-based interactive sessions have the potential to inform and educate all practice staff, fueling better insight and awareness of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), other team member roles, structural barriers for OUD care, and patients with OUD.”