Nursing Students' Use of Harm Reduction in the Clinical Setting

Abstract

Background: 

The use and awareness of harm reduction education strategies are missing from nursing care of people with substance use disorder (SUD).

Purpose: 

To determine whether targeted training improved nursing students' application of harm reduction education in the clinical setting.

Methods: 

This was an experimental 2-group repeated-measures survey study. Nursing students in a baccalaureate program received targeted training for 3 semesters. Training included presentations by people with lived experience, an addiction-trained physician, and a role-play exercise. Students received harm reduction education and reported on the application of this education.

Results: 

Students in the traditional track cared for more people with SUD than students in the accelerated track. Referral for treatment was the most common education provided, and information related to injection drug use was the least commonly taught education.

Conclusions: 

Targeted training increased the number of harm reduction options nursing students presented to people with SUD in the clinical setting.