Background: In the United States, substance use disorder is a significant public health concern. Previous research has identified the lack of preparedness in caring for patients with a substance use disorder in undergraduate health science students as contributing to negative attitudes towards this vulnerable population.
Purpose/Specific Aims: This DNP scholarly project aimed to evaluate changes in knowledge and perceptions regarding patients with substance use disorder among health professional students before and after an interprofessional educational program. The goal was to reduce bias towards patients living with substance use disorders and enhance the quality of care they receive.
Methods: The workshop included a total of 33 participants; one OTA and one PharmD student, and 31 associate degree nursing (ADN) students enrolled in a mental health nursing course. Of the ADN students, ten were currently working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The Drug and Drug Problems Perception Questionnaire (DDPPQ) was used to survey participants pre-and post-educational workshop. Fifteen participants completed both the pre-and post-survey.
Results: A significant difference in attitude from pre-and post-workshop survey (p=0.003) indicated that participation in the workshop had a meaningful impact on participants confidence and attitudes when working with substance use disorder patients.
Conclusion: Findings support the need for educational interventions in the academic setting for health science students to improve attitudes towards people living with a substance use disorder.
