Competency Acquisition of WHO ASSIST for Assessment of Substance Use Disorder in Medical Curriculum of Undergraduates

Abstract

Substance use disorder (SUD) is prevalent in the Indian Subcontinent and affects the patient in Financial, Health, Social, and Legal perspective. Developing the competencies related to SUDs among medical students posted in community medicine in integration with the Department of Psychiatry can help in increased identification of SUD, literacy, and referral for proper management of the patient. Hence, consideration should be given to emphasis on teaching the use and administration of WHO ASSIST (World Health Organization-Alcohol, Smoking, Substance Use Involvement in Screening Test), eliciting history, and describing the consequences of SUD to medical students.