Kulule Kenea, RN, DNP, CRNA

DNP Nurse Anesthesia

Substance Use Disorder Toolkit for Graduate Health Professional Students

Project Team: Kulule Kenea, DNP, CRNA, Cordero P. Abdullah, DNP, CRNA, Jennifer Greenwood, PhD, CRNA, FAANA (Advisor)

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) among healthcare professionals and health profession students is a growing concern, jeopardizing the safety and quality of care for patients and the well-being of the healthcare provider. This doctoral project aimed to assemble a holistic understanding of how SUD is addressed at a specific institution of higher learning and develop an evidenced-based toolkit to enhance existing strategies.

Methods: 

The project involved a thorough review of the university handbook’s drug and alcohol policy and procedures, in addition to eight months of virtual meetings with stakeholders. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Ovid MEDLINE, along with examining state and federal regulations related to drug and alcohol use in universities. A four-pillar framework—consisting of education, early identification, appropriate intervention, and reentry to training—was developed using the Ottawa Model of Research Use to structure the toolkit.

Results: Findings revealed that 50% of programs at »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ of Medicine and Science (RFUMS) lacked SUD education in their curricula. Drug testing was mandated annually in 33% of programs, based on requirements from clinical sites. Significant variability and data gaps were noted in managing reentry to clinical training for students who tested positive for substance use, with six out of nine clinical programs lacking clear reentry protocols for return to clinical training.  

Conclusion: Critical gaps in SUD management at »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵMS have been identified. Implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based SUD toolkit is recommended to standardize SUD policies and practices across all programs, enhancing support for students and faculty.