Introduction: To deliver buprenorphine training to a larger number of physicians, we developed an Internet-based buprenorphine training program consisting of 12 online continuing medical education (CME) modules organized into 8 hours of learning. Education could be completed in any order and at the learner's convenience. In total, 1180 learners completed the program between April 2007 and April 2009; 95% were physicians.

Methodology: For each course, learners completed pre- and post-test measures on knowledge about substance abuse and treatment, attitudes toward treating addiction, intended behavior toward addicted patients, self-efficacy in understanding and treating addiction, and satisfaction with the learning experience. For analysis purposes, knowledge post-tests recorded only the learners' first answers to each question. The data reported here was collected from April - October 2008 (n=243).

Results: Data analysis revealed that the mean scores increased from the pre- to post-test in 12/12 courses for all outcomes measured: knowledge, attitude, intended behavior, and self-efficacy (p< .0001 for each outcome). Of learners who completed the optional post-training satisfaction survey (n= 243), 89.7% agreed/strongly agreed that the training program was a valuable learning experience and 95% said that they had colleagues who could benefit from the program. Convenience, organization, and availability of the online program were strong assets.

Conclusion: Online training on buprenphine is well received and effective. The value of online training to other topics and for alternative audiences should be studied further.

Disclaimer/Funding: The training program was developed with funding from NIDA (#R44DA12066) and is supported by ASAM as a DATA-qualifying buprenorphine training program.