
Course Title: Patient-Centered Care: Stigma and Advocacy
Presenter(s): Anna Maria South, MD, FACP, FASAM
Course Description: Patient-centered care has become a crucial approach when working with patients with substance use disorder (SUD). Unfortunately, the care continuum can be interrupted for patients with SUDs, often due to stigma and discrimination. Each interruption increases challenges in access to care and can lead to patient harm. Language can intentionally or unintentionally perpetuate stigma. As people who care for patients with SUDs, we need to learn their rights so we can advocate for them and change our language to reduce stigma. This course will discuss the importance of patient-centered care, improved language when discussing substance use, and advocacy strategies that clinicians can use when caring for people who use substances.
Educational Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Define patient-centered care for SUD
- Describe the care continuum
- Explain how stigma and discrimination impact care
- Outline ways to advocate for patients with SUD
Curriculum Overview: Healthcare professionals are often on the front lines of treating substance use disorders (SUDs), yet many have limited formal training in this area. The SUD 101 Core Curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in current research, evidence-based practices, and available resources.
The curriculum includes:
- Foundational Courses: Eight interactive, case-based courses that simulate real-world clinical scenarios and provide foundational SUD training
- Supplemental Courses: These courses offer a deeper exploration of specialized topics and expand on core concepts
Together, these courses enhance healthcare professionals’ competence and confidence in caring for patients with SUDs across the continuum of care, with a particular focus on opioid use disorders (OUD).
This is a foundational course within the SUD 101 Core Curriculum. Visit the SUD 101 Core Curriculum page to explore additional educational trainings as new courses become available.