Perceptions and attitudes of medical students toward opioid education: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective

Explore the perceptions and attitudes of medical students regarding their education in opioid prescribing for pain management.

Design

Three focus group discussions elicited open-ended, information-rich responses from medical students attending multiple institutions. Thematic analysis identified common themes from focus group transcript data.

Setting

Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Participants

Medical students (n = 12) from four medical schools in the United States.

Results

Focus group participants indicated they experienced changes in their perceptions and attitudes about opioids during their time in medical school, gradually recognizing the importance of treating pain while avoiding overprescribing and opioid-related harms. Discussions revealed that the curriculum on opioid medications and their prescription in medical school is limited and varied, with most opportunities for learning arising during preclinical years. The quantity and quality of the opioid-related education experienced by participants during medical school impacted their perceived knowledge about opioids and, consequently, their confidence in treating pain. Participants noted that important gaps in their knowledge about opioid prescribing persist, which may influence their future prescribing habits. While participants understood they had insufficient knowledge about opioid prescribing, they anticipated there would be additional learning during their residency programs.

Conclusions

There is room for improvement for medical school instruction on the safe and effective use of opioids for pain management in the United States. Medical students themselves have expressed a desire for enhanced opioid education. Strengthening opioid education has implications across various healthcare environments, particularly in settings with prevalent opioid prescribing.