What views of health care professionals are barriers to providing quality, therapeutic care to individuals with addictions?

As students involved in the Psychiatric Nursing Research Interest Group (RIG) at Douglas College we are interested in the views and beliefs that healthcare professionals have towards individuals with addictions, and ultimately how this affects the care they provide. This year’s project is a literature review looking worldwide at the common themes that appear with healthcare workers views on addictions. Out of the 28 studies we looked at, 10 ended up being in a psychiatric or addiction specific setting, 12 in a combination of both general medical and psychiatric setting, and 6 in a general medical only setting. We have noticed many common themes, such as; lack of education and training, existing stigma or negative attitudes, self-identified “role inadequacy”, and need for additional support when working with this challenging population. This project is the first phase in a study we plan to complete next year on the views of working with individuals with addictions among the PNUR and BSN students at Douglas College. Informed, competent, therapeutic care is crucial in providing individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders with the treatment and resources they need. In order to provide this kind of care it is paramount to provide education and experience both beginning in school and continuing in work environments. Furthermore, the need for support services, such as mentorship and guidance in the work place, can help nurse navigate working with this often-challenging population.