Integrating Training in Opioid Overdose Response in Medical Schools' Curricula: A Systematic Review.

UNLABELLED

The global opioid epidemic remains a critical public health challenge, highlighting the urgent need to equip medical students with the skills and adequate attitudes to manage opioid overdose effectively. A literature search identified 24 articles in 18 medical schools with training programs for opioid overdose response. Those training programs varied in format, with some including practical sessions and others not. The most common assessment tools were pre-surveys and post-surveys which evaluated objective knowledge about and subjective attitudes toward opioid overdose. The findings indicate that those trainings, whether conducted in person or online and being elective or mandatory, significantly enhanced medical students' knowledge and self-reported competency in managing opioid overdoses. Further, some studies reported a reduction in the stigma associated with opioid use disorder.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-024-02201-x.