Course Details

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Description

This course serves as an introduction to problems associated with alcohol misuse. Throughout the course, we will examine the prevalence of alcohol misuse and how frequent alcohol misuse can affect the patient's overall health and well being.

Need

While regular alcohol consumption is prevalent, the misuse of alcohol often leads to alcohol abuse or dependence. These diseases can negatively affect a patient's health.

Needs Analysis

(In the spring of 2008, we conducted a focus group with 13 medical school faculty and addiction consultants. The results of the focus group shaped our module outline and content.)

Brief Summary: This module was as important by 12/13 faculty (mean 4.17). Six faculty thought a one hour course was appropriate for the subject matter. With a rating scale of 1-5, the importance of as a topic are to be covered was rated 4.17, the implication that the average medical student would benefit from additional instruction in this topic was rated 4.08, and the willingness of faculty to encourage students to learn more about the topic was rated 4.38. The willingness to include this module in current teaching was rate 4.08 and the ease of fitting the module into the institution's current curriculum was rated 4.00. The topic was deemed to align with recommended physician competencies in the area of substance abuse with a rating of 4.31. A number of aspects of the topic were requested for emphasis and these areas were taken under consideration when devising the course.

Vision

Physicians-in-training understand that alcohol use problems are prevalent and can negatively impact patient health if not detected and treated.

Mission

To provide an overview into alcoholism as a disease and the negative impact that alcohol misuse has on overall patient health and well-being.

Goal

Learners will be able to recognize and categorize alcohol use disorders, as well as the negative health impacts alcohol has on the body.

Learning Objectives

Describe to patients the continuum of alcohol abuse or dependence
Recognize that alcohol misuse is prevalent in a variety of settings.
Identify and discuss with patients common diseases that often manifest or are comorbid with alcohol misuse.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Amanda

Educational Objectives

Case Goal: Physicians-in-training will apply their understanding of alcohol use disorders and determine what is best clinically for an older adult who drinks more than the recommended guidelines.

Course Objectives Met: (2)

Expected Diagnosis: At risk for abuse; drinking above recommended guidelines for her age

Take Home Message/Practice Tip: In older adults, increased use of alcohol can cause increased health concerns. In this case, Amanda's daily use of alcohol is causing her sleep difficulties. Physicians-in-training should be aware that alcohol misuse can manifest differently in older adults than in younger persons.

Case Specifics

Patient: Amanda, 67 YOWF

Case Information: Amanda is a 67 year old woman who has a complaint of difficulty sleeping. She has tried OTC and Ambien.

Chief Compliant: Difficulty sleeping that hasn't resolved despite past office visits

Relevant Past Medical, Psychosocial, Family History: Difficulty sleeping, not remedied by OTC or Ambien. Revealed that a friend passed away one year ago. Amanda's alcohol use increased at this time; she now is drinking 2 glasses wine/night

Case Study 2: Phoebe

Educational Objectives

Case Goal: Physicians-in-training will apply their understanding of alcohol use disorders among adolescents, as well as their understanding of consent.

Course Objectives Met: (2) and (3)

Expected Diagnosis: At risk for alcohol use disorder. Though her use is illegal as she is underage, her use has not had any significant medical repercussions.

Take Home Message/Practice Tips: Sometimes alcohol use may be present, but may not be the entire diagnosis. In this case, Phoebe shows signs of depression, but her alcohol use is minimal. The physicians-in-training should counsel Phoebe as any alcohol use at her age is illegal. Speaking to Phoebe without her mother in the room helped her be more honest, which leads to proper diagnosis of alcohol-related problems

Case Specifics

Patient: Phoebe - 15YOWF

Case Information: Her mother brings her in and describes the difficulties of the past year. Among these troubles, the mother recounts conflicts about piercings, tattoos, musical taste, clothing selection, and alcohol use. Phoebe is being brought to your attention due to mother's concern about whether her daughter has depression.

Chief Complaint: Suspected depression, coupled with other contributing factors

Relevant Past Medical, Psychosocial, Family History: Parental stress combined with adolescent peer pressure may be contributing to problem. 2 beers/sitting very infrequently