Educating social workers and other non-prescribing clinicians about medications for opioid use disorder: Brief asynchronous training

Medications for opioid use disorder decrease mortality and increase quality of life during recovery. Social workers and other non-prescribing clinicians play a crucial role in the implementation of these medications by providing treatment recommendations, referrals, and adjunctive counseling. However, many clinicians lack knowledge about these medications and/or harbor negative attitudes toward their use. Non-prescribing clinicians (N = 155) participated in an online asynchronous continuing education program regarding medications for opioid use disorder. The program was associated with increases in positive attitudes and behavioral intentions related to medications for opioid use disorder. Those with less prior exposure exhibited the greatest change. These findings suggest that even brief, self-paced training can help reduce misconceptions and shift clinician attitudes, underscoring the importance of expanding MOUD-focused education to improve treatment access.