Using Patient Voice to Personalize the Opioid Epidemic: An Evaluation of 2 Educational Interventions

Abstract

Despite rising opioid fatalities, attitudes remain indifferent toward those with opioid use disorder (OUD). Utilizing patient voice may be one way to move providers to action. We included persons with OUD in 2 educational sessions as an important tool of attitude change. Post-session surveys demonstrate increased compassion, deeper understanding of challenges, and positive change in attitude. Inclusion of patient voice was identified as the most useful feature of both educational sessions. Four themes emerged: value of patient voice; change in attitude; barriers to change; and enhanced provider role. Future educational sessions should include the voice of persons living with OUD.