Evaluation of a Combined Online and in Person Training in the Use of Buprenorphine

To evaluate buprenorphine training methodology, we surveyed physicians who had completed a combined online and in person buprenorphine curriculum. Of 53/70 (76%) survey respondents, 57% were psychiatrists and 40% generalists. On a scale of 1 (very poor) to 7 (superlative), the overall training rated a mean of 5.8. The online course (5.0) rated lower than in person training components (p < .001) except for material that addressed the logistics of office practice. The in person patient interview received the highest rating (mean 6.3, p < .001). The 67% of physicians who intended to prescribe buprenorphine after the training were more likely than hesitant physicians to agree that the course provided enough information (p < .05) and that telephone access to experienced providers would improve their confidence (p < .05). Physicians hesitant to prescribe cited lack of experience as the main barrier (41%), with 24% concerned about induction difficulty and reimbursement. Overall, physicians preferred in person instruction and may benefit from additional experiential training and support after curriculum participation.