Impact of a Preclinical Elective on Medical Student Attitudes Toward People With Substance Use Disorders.

Background and Objectives: As the opioid epidemic continues in the United States, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) prevalence is rising. Research has shown positive outcomes from protocols to assess and treat infants with NOWS. A medical student preclinical elective was created to teach students about NOWS, substance use disorders (SUDs), social services, and trauma-informed care. This involved didactics, hospital volunteer experience, and reflection essays. Our study aimed to determine the impact of the course on medical student attitudes and beliefs toward people with SUDs. Methods: Enrolled preclinical medical students completed a pre- and postcourse survey, an adapted 22 question version of the Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ). We analyzed results through a Wilcoxon signed ranked test and we performed a thematic analysis on students' reflective essays. Results: Twenty students completed the course during the study, with a 95% survey response rate. Survey results showed a statistically significant change between pre- and postcourse responses for seven of the 22 questions, showing positive changes in self-perceived knowledge, respect, and ability to find help. Reflective essays identified major themes of professional identity formation, interdisciplinary values, patient/family perspectives, empathy, and increased knowledge and confidence. Conclusions: Implementing an elective that combines didactics and volunteer experiences can improve medical students' self-reported perceptions of people with SUD and interest in primary care and addiction medicine, a key to continued handling of the opioid epidemic.