The Patients in Recovery (PIR) Perspective: Teaching Physicians About Methamphetamine

ABSTRACT

Methamphetamine dependence is an emerging epidemic confronting physicians. In an effort to improve understanding of its impact, the authors presented an educational workshop at a national meeting for general internists featuring small group discussions with patients in recovery (PIR) from methamphetamine dependence. Participants rated the workshop highly, stating it would lead to concrete change in their teaching, research, or patient care practices and they would invite the workshop to their institution for presentation. Direct interaction with PIR was the most valued aspect of the workshop. Lessons learned included patient's fear of being “turned in” limits disclosure of methamphetamine use to physicians; active users have little insight into methamphetamine-related changes in physical appearance; and a sense of productivity reinforces ongoing methamphetamine use. Workshops that include small group discussions between physicians and PIR are an innovative, practical, and acceptable method to teach physicians about their role in helping patients with substance dependence.

KEYWORDS:

• Methamphetamine abuse
• physician education
• substance abuse training

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Deborah Service of the Matrix Institute and the 10 volunteer small group leaders at the workshop. The authors would also like to acknowledge Maryann Amodeo, MSW, PhD, for guidance in developing the workshop. Dr. Walley was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (R25-DA13582) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (T32-AI52074). Dr. Gordon was supported by a VA HSR&D Research Career Development Award (RCD-00038–2). The results of this paper were presented at the 2006 Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse (AMERSA) national conference, Washington, DC, November 2007

Notes

^a Questions 1 to 4 scale = 1 (poor) to 5 (outstanding).