Implementation of Alcohol Use Disorder Training Curriculum Improves Perceived Confidence in Treating Alcohol-Related Liver Disorder Amongst Gastroenterology Fellows

Background Alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease is increasing in the US, with subsequent and expected increases in morbidity and mortality due to these conditions. Aims To determine the impact of an educational intervention regarding alcohol use disorder on gastroenterology fellows. Methods A before-after survey study was carried out. Subjects were gastroenterology fellows at an urban tertiary care facility, who completed a pre-questionnaire and then attended a one-hour educational lecture on alcohol use disorder, alcohol-related liver disease, and treatment/resources available for patients. Immediately after the 1-h lecture, fellows were asked to complete a post-questionnaire and then a delayed questionnaire three months later. Pre- and post-answers were averaged out of a scale of 5 and analyzed using t-tests. Results The study included eight fellows. Post-intervention, 12% of fellows felt more confident in having adequate training to provide alcohol use disorder counseling to their patients, 25% felt more confident in who they should refer their patients to for alcohol use disorder, and 16% felt more comfortable in being able to speak with their patients regarding alcohol use disorder and help effectively reduce their patients' consumption of alcohol (p value < 0.05). Conclusion A 1-h presentation discussing the complexities associated with diagnosing and treating alcohol use disorder, and the methods of helping destigmatize the disease in the medical community, can increase trainees' confidence and knowledge base to help treat patients with alcohol use disorder in the clinic setting and reducing liver morbidity.