Natl Med J India
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Background Untreated co-occurring substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) in patients with medical conditions may be associated with unfavourable medical outcomes. Understanding the prevalence of substance use and SUDs among patients admitted to hospital for medical illness may help in developing appropriate strategies to manage SUDs in this population and improve the outcomes of medical illness. We assessed the prevalence of substance use and SUDs among patients admitted for medical illnesses and the association between substance use and medical illness. ⋯ Lifetime use of any substance or of alcohol, and current use of any substance or tobacco were significantly associated with injuries, poisoning and other consequences of external causes. Conclusions A large proportion of patients hospitalized for medical illness reported the use of psychoactive substances or had SUDs. The use of some of these substances was also associated with injuries as well as diseases of the circulatory system.
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Continuing medical education (CME) credits has been mandated by the National Medical Commission for registered medical practitioners in India as a part of continuing professional development and a minimum of 30 credits in 5 years is required for the renewal of the medical license. Undoubtedly, credit hours for CME attendance is an essential yardstick for professional and career growth, the modus operandi adopted to grant these credit hours needs a serious look. Targeted learning with adequate feedback either with a post CME examination or questionnaire should become the norm and every publication in high impact indexed journal deserve a higher credit point than the rest of the publications.