Systematic Review of Quality Standards in Competency-Based Postgraduate and Continual Addictology Education of Physicians: Study Protocol

BACKGROUND: The role of physicians is crucial in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders and addiction. The quality of addiction-specific medical education varies, as do postgraduate and continuing medical education programmes in different countries. In order to ensure a high level of quality education, it is necessary to name and define competency-based quality standards that enable physicians to provide the highest quality care to patients.

METHODS: The objective of the study will be the identification of quality standards in competency-based postgraduate and continual medical education for physicians in the field of addictions. We will conduct a review of available literature sources, and based on key terms, we will carry out a search in electronic databases PubMed, EBSCO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) methodology, and identify articles related to the topic. From the standpoint of relevance, we will review the abstracts and full texts of studies.

RESULTS: Review protocol will enable us to summarise available evidence on postgraduate and continuing medical education in addictions using the methodology of a systematic scoping review for the purpose of mapping relevant literature. The results will be published as academic papers and conference presentations.

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review will provide specific insights into the postgraduate and continuing medical education. The findings will inform about the types and frequency of educational processes in addictology within the postgraduate and continuing medical education.