What are the training needs of early career professionals in addiction medicine? A BEME scoping review protocol

Background: Substance use disorders (SUD) represent a significant social and economic burden globally. Accurate diagnosis and treatment by early career professionals in addiction medicine (ECPAM) fails, in part, due to a lack of training programs targeting this career stage. Prior research has highlighted the need to assess the specific training needs of early career professionals working in this area. Aim: To conduct a scoping review of the literature on the self-reported training needs of ECPAM worldwide. Methods: Medical and education databases will be searched for studies reporting perceived training needs of early career professionals (having completed their training within a five year period at the time of assessment) in addiction medicine. Retrieved citations will be screened and full text articles reviewed for eligibility by two independent reviewers. A third reviewer will arbitrate where there was disagreement. Two reviewers will independently extract data from included studies and conduct a quality appraisal assessment. Importance: Overall, the evidence on the training needs from this review will inform efforts to optimise ECPAM education internationally. Training needs assessment of early career professionals working in the field of addiction medicine is a priority.