Asynchronous online training increased knowledge, confidence, and intent to screen and treat substance use disorders among primary care clinicians practicing in Texas

• Published in: Preventive medicine 2024-08, Vol.185, p.108038, Article 108038
• Main Authors: Zoorob, Roger, In Kim-Vences, Sung, Hirth, Jacqueline M., Schaper, Kylie, Grigoryan, Larissa, Gonzalez, Sandra, Kowalchuk, Alicia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Internet-based intervention; Primary health care; Program evaluation; Substance-related disorders
• ISSN: 0091-7435; 1096-0260; 1096-0260
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108038

Despite increasing prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD), few patients are diagnosed and treated in primary care settings. This study evaluated changes in knowledge, confidence, and intention to implement screening and brief intervention (SBI) and SUD treatment after clinicians participated in an asynchronous online education course. A self-selected sample of primary care clinicians in Texas participated in online SBI and SUD education March 2021–July 2023. Baseline and post-training surveys evaluated changes in knowledge, confidence, and intent to implement SBI and SUD treatment. Changes were compared using paired t-tests. Multivariable linear regression examined factors potentially associated with confidence and intention to implement changes. Clinician feedback regarding the course was included. Of 613 respondents, 50.9% were practicing family medicine clinicians. Knowledge of adolescent screening tools increased from 21.9% to 75.7% (p