Enhanced Skills Program: Indigenous Health Goals and Objectives Addiction Medicine

Medical Expert:

The trainee will be able to:

1. Take a complete alcohol and drug history.
2. Diagnose substance use and substance-induced disorders using DSM-V criteria.
3. Order appropriate laboratory investigations to confirm substance abuse and potential complications.
4. Assess for co-morbid psychiatric conditions.
5. Identify medical complications of substance dependence, including gastrointestinal, neurological and infectious.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the management of alcohol withdrawal.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the management of opiate withdrawal.
8. Use opioids safely in the management of chronic pain.
9. Depending on the location of the rotation, demonstrate knowledge of the care of pregnant women with substance use.

Communicator:

The trainee will be able to:

1. Provide counselling based on the principles of motivational interviewing, particularly for smokers, problem drinkers and alcohol-dependent patients.
2. Demonstrate communication skills (both written and verbal), including: communicating with patients and families, verbal presentation of consultations, documentation and consult letters, and use of EMR systems.

Collaborator:

The trainee will be able to:

1. Function effectively and appropriately in a multidisciplinary team to provide high quality care to people with substance use problems.
2. Collaborate with community agencies (as required) and other professionals.

Manager:

The trainee will be able to:

1. Assess, plan, provide and integrate care for people with substance use problems.
2. Establish and ensure appropriate support systems and follow-up for sustained culturally appropriate care.
3. Demonstrate awareness of community and health resources, and support structures available to people with substance use problems.

Health Advocate:

The trainee will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an approach to dependence and abuse of substances in a culturally safe and historically aware context.
2. Advocates effectively for the biopsychosocial needs of patients and their families within the health care system and community.

Scholar:

The trainee will be able to:

1. Provide teaching to colleagues, students and residents about addiction issues.
2. Critically appraise medical information and its sources, and apply the relevant information to medical practice.

Professional:

The trainee will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a commitment to patients and their families, colleagues, their profession and to society through ethical and reflective practice.