Substance use disorders: causes, types and recovery

Maxwell, LIndsay D. (2021) Substance use disorders: causes, types and recovery. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (5MB)

Abstract

Background and Purpose: This practicum project was inspired by a need to improve patient education on the inpatient withdrawal management unit in the Central Zone of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes were implemented on the inpatient unit including elimination of group programming. These changes resulted in an increase in the number patients leaving treatment against medical advice, as well as the number of re-admissions to the unit. The purpose of this project was to develop an interactive education session and associated resources that provided information on substance use disorders (SUDs) (the causes and types) and the recovery journey. Two educational handouts were developed as take-home resources for the patient and their support person(s). Methods: The practicum project consisted of an integrative literature review, consultations with key stakeholders and an environmental scan. Results: The literature review and consultations supported the implementation of a patient education session to be delivered by nurses on the withdrawal management unit. Additionally, due to the lack of resources available to support persons and the evidence in the literature for including families in a patient’s care plan, a support person resource was created to fill this gap. Conclusion: The practicum project was designed to enhance and improve patient care offered on the inpatient withdrawal management unit. Its implementation is warranted, particularly with the COVID-19 driven changes, and is a much-needed resources as identified by both patients and staff members. Continued implementation of the patient and family education has the potential to have a positive influence on the rate of individuals who discontinue inpatient treatment prematurely as well as the number of re-admissions.

Actions (login required)

View Item