Loading...
Understanding Policy Impacts and Non-Medical Substance Use Among Healthcare Professionals from the Perspective of Treatment Providers
McNeely, Heidi L.
McNeely, Heidi L.
Citations
Altmetric:
Abstract
IntroductionAn estimated 10-15% of all healthcare professionals (HCPs) struggle with non-medical substance use (NMU) or addiction during their career. Substance use treatment providers (TPs) are in a unique position to identify trends among HCP clients and to identify system-level issues, yet few studies have explored the perspectives of TPs. Stigma is a common issue for those with NMU and is a significant barrier to individuals seeking treatment. Policy can also have an influence on stigma and resulting NMU. Aims The overall objective of this study was to improve understanding of NMU among HCPs. The following three aims were pursued: 1) identify policy impacts on NMU and addiction associated stigma and the opioid epidemic in the United States, 2) explore, from TPs’ perspectives, what barriers and facilitators exist for HCPs in the state of Colorado to initiate and complete substance use treatment, be in recovery, and return to work after addiction treatment, and 3) explore the role of stigma on HCPs with NMU from the perspective of TPs. Design & Method A scoping review of the literature was completed to determine the impacts of policy on NMU associated stigma in the US. From there, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted utilizing semi-structured interviews with TPs working in Colorado. Open systems theory was used to guide data collection and analysis. AnalysisInductive content analysis was used to identify common categories in the data around barriers, facilitators, and impacts of stigma. Systems issues that impact the experiences among HCPs with NMU were also identified. Results and Implications The researcher identified fear, pride, stigma, high standards, job related stress, and lack of knowledge of NMU/addiction treatment as barriers to HCPs initiating treatment. Facilitators to treatment included supportive employers and facilitators to recovery and returning to work included long term monitoring. The researcher discusses the findings of different types of stigma, sources of stigma, and timing of stigma among HCPs with NMU as described by TPs. This information is important for local government agencies, healthcare leaders, licensing boards, peer recovery programs, and public health agencies to consider in addressing NMU among HCPs and reducing associated stigma.
Description
Date
2021-01-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Kansas
Collections
Archive Status
This item contains archived web content.
Files
McNeely_ku_0099D_18088_DATA_1.pdf
Adobe PDF, 1.75 MB
- Embargoed until 2171-05-31
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Nursing, Medicine, Occupational safety, addiction, healthcare professionals, opioid epidemic, policy, stigma, substance use