TY - JOUR
KW - Addiction
KW - general internists
KW - preparedness
KW - Stigma
KW - Substance use disorder
AU - S. E. Wakeman
AU - G. Pham-Kanter
AU - K. Donelan
A1 - 
AB - BACKGROUND: Previous research demonstrates that most primary care physicians feel unprepared to diagnose and treat substance use disorder (SUD). Confidence in SUD management has been associated with improved clinical practices. METHODS: A Cross-sectional survey of 290 inpatient and outpatient general internists in an academic medical center evaluating attitudes, preparedness, and clinical practice related to SUD. RESULTS: 149 general internists responded, a response rate of 51%. 46% frequently cared for patients with SUD. 16% frequently referred patients to treatment and 6% frequently prescribed a medication to treat SUD. 20% felt very prepared to screen for SUD, 9% to provide a brief intervention, 7% to discuss behavioral treatments, and 9% to discuss medication treatments. 31% felt that SUD is different from other chronic diseases because they believe using substances is a choice. 14% felt treatment with opioid agonists was replacing one addiction with another. 12% of hospitalists and 6% of PCPs believe that someone who uses drugs is committing a crime and deserves punishment. Preparedness was significantly associated with evidence-based clinical practice and favorable attitudes. Frequently caring for patients with SUD was significantly associated with preparedness, clinical practice, and favorable attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: SUD is a treatable and prevalent disease, yet a majority of general internists do not feel very prepared to screen, diagnose, provide a brief intervention, refer to treatment, or discuss treatment options with patients. Very few frequently prescribe medications to treat SUD. Some physicians view substance use as a crime and a choice. Physician preparedness and exposure to SUD is associated with improved clinical practice and favorable attitudes towards SUD. Physicians need education and support to provide better care for patients with SUD.
BT - Substance abuse
C5 - Opioids & Substance Use; Education & Workforce
DO - 10.1080/08897077.2016.1187240
JF - Substance abuse
N2 - BACKGROUND: Previous research demonstrates that most primary care physicians feel unprepared to diagnose and treat substance use disorder (SUD). Confidence in SUD management has been associated with improved clinical practices. METHODS: A Cross-sectional survey of 290 inpatient and outpatient general internists in an academic medical center evaluating attitudes, preparedness, and clinical practice related to SUD. RESULTS: 149 general internists responded, a response rate of 51%. 46% frequently cared for patients with SUD. 16% frequently referred patients to treatment and 6% frequently prescribed a medication to treat SUD. 20% felt very prepared to screen for SUD, 9% to provide a brief intervention, 7% to discuss behavioral treatments, and 9% to discuss medication treatments. 31% felt that SUD is different from other chronic diseases because they believe using substances is a choice. 14% felt treatment with opioid agonists was replacing one addiction with another. 12% of hospitalists and 6% of PCPs believe that someone who uses drugs is committing a crime and deserves punishment. Preparedness was significantly associated with evidence-based clinical practice and favorable attitudes. Frequently caring for patients with SUD was significantly associated with preparedness, clinical practice, and favorable attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: SUD is a treatable and prevalent disease, yet a majority of general internists do not feel very prepared to screen, diagnose, provide a brief intervention, refer to treatment, or discuss treatment options with patients. Very few frequently prescribe medications to treat SUD. Some physicians view substance use as a crime and a choice. Physician preparedness and exposure to SUD is associated with improved clinical practice and favorable attitudes towards SUD. Physicians need education and support to provide better care for patients with SUD.
PY - 2016
SN - 1547-0164; 0889-7077
T1 - Attitudes, practices, and preparedness to care for patients with substance use disorder; Results from a survey of general internists
T2 - Substance abuse
TI - Attitudes, practices, and preparedness to care for patients with substance use disorder; Results from a survey of general internists
U1 - Opioids & Substance Use; Education & Workforce
U2 - 27164025
U3 - 10.1080/08897077.2016.1187240
VO - 1547-0164; 0889-7077
Y1 - 2016
ER -