Course Details

MedStudentLearning URL

Description

This course provides an overview of the biological, neurological, and clinical adaptations that may occur as a result of alcohol misuse.

Need

Alcohol use affects each patient differently. Physicians-in-training need to be aware of the biological mechanisms that are affected by chronic, repeated use of alcohol so that the most appropriate treatment options are discussed.

Needs Analysis

In the spring of 2008, we conducted a focus group with 13 medical school faculty and addiction consultants. The results are summarized below:

Brief Summary: The focus group shaped our module outline and content. With a rating scale of 1-5, the importance of Pharmacology as a course was rated 4.38. The belief that the average medical student would benefit from additional instruction in this topic was rated 4.42, a rating of 4.33 was deemed for encouragement of students to learn more about the topic, and the belief that the topic aligned with recommended physician competencies in the area of substance abuse was rated 4.40. Faculty thought that the module would fit easily into their institution's curriculum, with a rating of 4.17, and that they would include this module in their current teachings, with a rating of 4.25. The most respondents (8) thought the topic area should have 1 hours of lecture time devoted to it. Also, multiple areas of concentration were suggested in the topic area and these were taken into consideration when constructing the course.

Mission

To educate physicians-in-training about the biological basis of alcohol misuse that will empower them to make informed treatment choices for their patients.

Goal

You will be able to discuss the biological, neurobiological, and clinical adaptations that result from alcohol abuse or dependence.

Learning Objectives

Explain alcohol pharmacology and its effects on neurodevelopment
Describe how alcohol affects neurotransmitters and the reward mechanism
Teach patients how alcohol misuse can affect the patient on a molecular and genetic level

Case Studies

Case Study: Jeannette

Educational Objectives

Case Goal: Physicians-in-training should be able to identify genetic contributory factors that will affect the outcomes of alcohol use.

Course Objectives Met: (1) and (3)

Expected Diagnosis: No abuse. 50% of Asians have ALDH2*2 allele causing decreased elimination of acetaldehyde and alcohol.

Take Home Message/Practice Tip: 50% of Asians have ALDH2*2 allele causing decreased elimination of acetaldehyde and alcohol. Patients should be made aware of how alcohol affects them.