Caring for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: A Near-Peer Workshop for Medical Students.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The opioid epidemic remains a public health crisis driven largely by synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Gaps in undergraduate medical education contribute to health disparities among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). We developed a peer-led workshop for medical students to enhance their competence and confidence in managing hospitalized patients with OUD.

Methods

Students participated in a 60-minute, peer-led, case-based workshop during their Medicine Clerkship. Workshop content focused on fentanyl's role in the opioid epidemic, counseling about medication for OUD (MOUD), and acute pain management for patients with OUD. We assessed students' knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in managing patients with OUD with surveys and a focus group.

Results

Six

SUBMITTER: Oles WC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835442 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature