Tobacco Dependence Treatment Grants: A Collaborative Approach to the Implementation of WHO Tobacco Control Initiatives

Education and training on addiction psychiatry in low and middle income countries: Observations from existing literature and recommendations going ahead

BACKGROUND

Addictive disorders are a significant contributor to the global burden of disease. The burden of addictive disorders in LMIC is expected to grow further over the coming years.

AIMS

In this article we present the observations from the existing literature on the current status of education and training on addiction psychiatry in LMIC and provide recommendation on way forward for this specialized field of psychiatry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched electronic databases of PubMed to access the literature on the current status of education and training on addiction psychiatry. Additional searches were also conducted in other database of Google Scholar for potential 'grey' literature.

RESULTS

We were able to identify a total of 11 relevant articles.

DISCUSSION

Currently there is limited published literature on education and training on addiction psychiatry from the LMICs.

CONCLUSIONS

Strengthening of the training on addictive disorders shall not only help bridge the gap of the unmet need for the evidence-based interventions of addictive disorders across these countries it shall also help enhance the research capacity on addictive disorders in these countries.

Exploring nicotine dependence treatment commitment and quality of care among Portuguese substance use disorder treatment professionals

BACKGROUND

Smoking is highly prevalent among individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). No specific treatment policy exists for nicotine dependence treatment (NDT) in patients with SUD in Portugal, such as in most countries.

METHODS

We used the Index of Treatment Quality (ITTQ) and Tobacco Treatment Commitment Scale (TTCS) to assess NDT quality and commitment before and after training professionals who work in the Portuguese SUD treatment network (n = 203). The study assessed learning and competence through pre- and postknowledge tests, competence self-report, and intention-to-change questionnaires. The study carried out descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA software. We based the current study on the Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0).

RESULTS

Compared to psychologists, physicians/social workers had worse NDT perceptions (i.e., NDT should not be included in drug treatment programs; NDT could hinder client recovery; it is unfair to take tobacco away from these patients). The counseling offer level was low overall. However, the study found higher levels of smoking assessment in all regions. Knowledge of motivational interviewing, stages of motivation, and addressing return to use improved. Self-competency skills also increased following training.

CONCLUSION

Treatment providers should be encouraged to implement counseling within NDT. Physicians and social workers should be aware of the importance of NDT for individuals with SUD. Attitudes and commitment to NDT for this subpopulation were quite similar to those found in U.S.

STUDIES

Our educational intervention increased learning knowledge and competence.