Emergency Medicine Resident Experiences and Perceptions Regarding Medications for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND

Despite the large burden of morbidity and mortality associated with untreated alcohol use disorder (AUD), the prevalence of alcohol-related emergency department (ED) visits, and improved outcomes associated with medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD), MAUD is rarely initiated during emergency department care.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed current Emergency Medicine (EM) resident experiences, perceptions and beliefs surrounding the use of medications for the treatment of AUD within the ED.

METHODS

We created an online survey that was electronically distributed directly to EM residents between January 2023 and April 2023. The survey was voluntary, anonymous, and included 22 questions pertaining to resident knowledge, beliefs and experiences using MAUD.

RESULTS

We received 78 responses from EM residents representing training programs from 24 different U.S. states. The majority of residents (76/78; 97.4%) responded that they either "strongly agree" or "agree" that it is important for EM residents to be trained in the use of MAUD . Only 45/78 (57.7%) had similar responses when asked about their confidence in their ability to provide evidence-based treatment to ED patients with AUD, and an even fewer, (12/7815.4%), reported feeling comfortable prescribing naltrexone for AUD. Only 5/78 (6.4%) of respondents reported having ever prescribing naltrexone. The primary identified barriers to prescribing treatment included lack of follow up, lack of time, lack of knowledge regarding these medications and working in a department where this practice is not common.

CONCLUSIONS

While most participating EM residents reported that it is important to be trained in the use of MAUD, numerous barriers including lack of teaching, follow up and knowledge are significant obstacles preventing the integration of these treatments.