Opioid overdose prevention and response training for medical students: Does training provide a benefit beyond the traditional curriculum, and are the gains of early training maintained?

Background and objectives: Drug-related overdoses remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Medical students contribute to harm reduction efforts and must be prepared to support individuals with substance use disorder (SUDs). This study aimed to better understand the unique, long-term effects of and optimal timing for medical student training on overdose prevention and response.

Methods: Medical students in the Class of 2023 (N = 296) at a single institution in the Midwest of the United States were asked to complete surveys annually and after educational interventions. Half were randomly selected to receive Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response Training (OOPRT) in M1, and the other half during M3. Mixed-model ANOVAs examined whether training influenced overdose knowledge and attitudes beyond the standard curriculum and explored optimal time for training.

Results: OOPRT significantly improved knowledge and attitude measures at 1-year post-training. During M4, we found significant improvements in related knowledge compared to matriculation, with no differences between training groups. Most students enjoyed OOPRT and believed future classes should receive the training.

Discussion: OOPRT resulted in significant 1-year improvements in knowledge and attitudes beyond the traditional curriculum. Students trained during M1 showed no knowledge decay compared to those trained later. These findings support SUD and harm reduction curricular reform to ensure medical students learn early how to care for this population.

Scientific significance: This low-barrier intervention can be easily taught to medical students to improve knowledge and attitudes regarding these topics with the goal of improving care of patients across specialties.