Elevating capacity with individuals with substance use disorder: a professional practice model to guide nursing practice in the concurrent setting

Abstract

There is need for increased knowledge, skill, and capacity for nurses caring for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) in the dual diagnosis (DD) environment and in other areas of healthcare. SUD is found to be under-addressed, even in DD care environments. Individuals with SUD have historically been stigmatized in most societal structures, including healthcare which leads to substandard care and outcomes for individuals with SUD. Without a robust body of research, formal education in the area of SUD has also lagged behind other healthcare areas, even mental health. Without this formal education, nurses may resort to stigmatizing societal narratives, rather than evidence-based intervention, for the care for individuals with SUD. This substandard nursing care then diminishes the outcomes for individuals with SUD in the healthcare setting. After a thorough literature search, implementing project management strategies, and a small pilot evaluation, a professional practice model (PPM) has been created as a practical tool for guiding nursing practice when interacting with individuals with SUD to fill the gap in knowledge for interventions with individuals with SUD. As such, the pilot indicated the PPM was effective in elevating nursing knowledge of caring for individuals with SUD.