Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Campus Access
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Year Degree Awarded
2021
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/22729382
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
substance abuse care, improving outcomes, impact, stigma, recovery
Advisor
Dr. Genevieve Chandler
DNP Project Chair
Dr. Genevieve Chandler
Abstract
Background and Review of Literature: Healthcare providers may show bias towards individuals with substance use disorder when they attempt to access healthcare services. When bias is not mitigated through intentional suppression efforts, the result is stigmatizing behavior towards patients with substance use disorder.
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to reduce stigma towards patients with substance use disorder. The goal was to teach future nurses how to recognize and reflect on their own biases and to control, or reframe, their thinking. The overarching goal of this intervention is to increase healthcare engagement and to improve healthcare outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Methods: This project provided an educational session about stigma in healthcare and the impact on patients with substance use disorder to nursing students.
Implementation Plan/Procedure: The project consisted of one education session with specific goals based on Joyce Travelbee’s Human to Human Relationship Model of Nursing. Nursing students were surveyed before and after attending the session to measure the impact of this brief intervention.
Results: A decrease in mean pre and post-education survey scores could have several potential causes and indicate a need for further research.
Implications/Conclusion: Stigma in healthcare is commonly cited as a barrier to access in the substance use disorder population. Education should be provided to nursing students as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing stigmatization towards patients with substance use disorders.
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