Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Empowering Providers To Empower Their Patients: One Model To Expand Knowledge, Competency, And Awareness For The Perinatal Substance Use Workforce, Jacqueline Jacobs

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects

Perinatal substance use (PSU) is a serious and growing public health concern. It is associated with a variety of adverse health outcomes for both mother and child and has been shown to negatively impact the parent-child relationship. Despite the growing prevalence of PSU, there are notable deficits in provider knowledge regarding, and comfortability with, PSU. Moreover, providers report feelings of judgment, resentment, fear, and hesitancy related to their work with women with PSU. Subsequently, women with PSU struggle to find appropriate, compassionate, and effective treatment for their substance misuse. Widespread and accessible training is needed to bolster provider knowledge base, …

Enhancing Long-Term Outcomes: Implementing Community Engaged Research To Augment Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Kevin M. Quinn

Masters Theses

The Universal Evaluation Tool is an intuitive self-assessment instrument to enhance long-term treatment outcomes for Guiding Light’s residential addiction rehabilitation program. Designed as a versatile method for collecting primary data, the Universal Evaluation Tool can be administered to clients at any point during the recovery program (i.e., intake to discharge). The data collected from the survey can be used as a framework to guide treatment decisions, develop personalized care plans, offer insight into a client’s progress, and collect baseline data (e.g., sociodemographic characteristics) on a treatment population for use in grant applications.

A pilot study to generate preliminary data was …

Evaluation Of A Substance Abuse Screening Tool In The Pediatric Emergency Room, Jody Sims

Dissertations

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse among adolescents is one of the most serious social health problems in the United States. The prevalence of alcohol use in adolescents is as high as 80%, while opioid overdose deaths among adolescents have risen by greater than 50% in the last 10 years. Alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use has also increased among youth and is not being properly evaluated in the pediatric hospital setting. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the use of a substance abuse screening tool with SBIRT trained staff in the pediatric emergency room setting.

Methods: The CRAFFT substance …

Support For Social Workers Treating Adolescent Substance Abusers, Monica Delucia, Kethura Solano

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study examines the barriers social workers experience when working with adolescent substance users. Research has not fully explored if intervention techniques are effective or suggest other approaches that may support substance use disorder professionals including supervisor support, training, and intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if social workers who provide interventions to adolescent substance users have the adequate resources to be successful in their field. The literature review provides a better understanding of the common themes social workers experience when working with adolescent substance users.

This study used a qualitative design and interviewed 8 professional social …

New York State Emergency Department Assessment Treatment And Referral Of Individuals Presenting To The Emergency Department With Opioid Use Disorder, Macia Victoria Drummond

Theses & Dissertations

Opioid dependence and addiction are classified as severe medical conditions that cause adverse effects on the individual, their family, and society as a whole. The increasing number of opioid overdose cases and deaths has posed a significant challenge for emergency departments (EDs) as they play a crucial role in providing immediate medical attention to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). The consequences of OUD are alarming, with high morbidity and mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to examine the policies, practices, and barriers to adherence to nationally recognized clinical best practices for treating patients with OUD in New …

Prescription Opioid Misuse And Addiction: Healthcare’S Contribution To The Opioid Epidemic And What Can Be Done About It, Emily Larsen, Katrina Ecke

Nursing | Senior Theses

Up to one in four patients undergoing prolonged opioid therapy in a primary care setting battle opioid addiction. In 2020, the CDC found that more than 16,000 deaths involving prescription opioids (limited to natural and semi-synthetic opioids and methadone) had occurred, which is equivalent to about 45 deaths per day. Opioid overdose death can be identified through three distinct waves; increased prescribing of opioids in the 1990’s began the first wave, the beginning of the second wave came in 2010 with a rapid increase in heroin related overdose deaths, and in 2013 the third wave began with a significant increase …

Pharmacotherapy For Opioid Use Disorder In Mississippi, Amanda Michelle Whitacre

Doctoral Projects

The opioid epidemic is affecting Mississippi’s young to middle-aged adult population in a profound way. Pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder (OUD) is the gold standard treatment. Despite the FDA-approved evidence-based treatment of pharmacotherapy for OUD, rural areas often lack providers available who will initiate and provide maintenance of this life-saving medication. For this doctoral project, a 36-question survey was developed based on a preliminary literature review. The survey was disseminated to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the family and psychiatric specialties across Mississippi to assess the barriers to APRNs filling the gap in pharmacotherapy prescribing for OUD. A continuing …

Substance Use Among Nurses As A Result Of Covid-19, And The Impact Of Rehabilitative Programs On Nurses, Gerome Macaspac

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: The incidence of substance use among nurses has been a persistent issue for decades. The effects associated with substance misuse depend on what is used, the amount, how often, and how they are taken. Regardless of the substance used, any nurse who enters the workplace using substances puts the lives of others at risk. Due to the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a risk that the number of nurses resorting to the use of substances may have increased. Therefore, an investigation into drug use among nurses during the pandemic is particularly important.

Objective: To explore the …

Understanding Deaths Of Despair In Us Counties Through Bourdieu's Theory Of Capital, Seulki Kim

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The overarching goal of this dissertation is to examine a recent rise in rates of deaths from suicide, alcohol, and drugs, labeled together as “deaths of despair” in the United States using Bourdieu’s theory of capital. Although the deaths of despair phenomenon is a product of a complex process related to various material and non-material factors, there is no theoretical framework that is able to account for different domains of predictors. Thus, this dissertation aims to fill this gap by drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of capital and systematically investigating the relationships of mortality rates attributed to suicide, alcohol, and opioid …

Factors Affecting Emergency Department Mental Health Visits, Logan Daul

Honors Thesis

Research has shown that current quantities of emergency department visits for mental health and substance use are increasing at a startling rate. These increases are acknowledged in quantitative studies and some important information can be gathered from qualitative studies however determining specific causes for these emergent visits are difficult. The purpose of this study is to derive findings from statistical analyses focusing on quantities of emergency department visits for mental health and substance use disorders. Comparisons will be drawn at the state level between the per capita quantity of emergency department visits and poverty rate, climate, psychiatric healthcare infrastructure, urban …

The Need For Specialized Substance Abuse Treatment For Gay Men In The United States, Sarah Nance

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Substance misuse and abuse is a global public health issue that affects sexual minority populations at a higher rate than the heterosexual population. Many popular gay socialization strategies include gay bars and chemsex, or sexualized drug use, in which substance use is common in both. The Minority Stress Model provides an explanation as to how stigma embedded in a society and within a person can act as a stressor and manifest into a substance abuse disorder. This stigma acts for many as a barrier to seeking healthcare out of fear of discrimination, causing many to hide their identity when seeking …

Socioeconomic And Health Impact Of Opioid Overuse On Working-Age Population In Minnesota, Colette Ngum Ngwa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract The United States faces numerous challenges associated with the ongoing opioid crisis. Although the opioid epidemic is complex, opioid overuse affects users’ health and has a far-reaching impact on socioeconomic well-being. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design using secondary data from a 2018 national survey of working-age individuals ages 18 to 45. Multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the associations between opioid overuse and socioeconomic status, health status, and perceived need for substance abuse treatment. The addiction career concept and chronic illness model theory were used to analyze these correlations. The findings indicated that people with higher …

The Prevalence Of Substance Abuse Within The Nursing Profession, Kaylie Paige Cox

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Among Patients With A Dual Diagnosis Of Schizophrenia And Substance Use Disorder What Current Treatments Provide Optimal Outcomes?, Drew Mcnamara

Theses and Graduate Projects

Introduction: This research was conducted on the topic of dual diagnosis (DD) patients with co-occurring schizophrenia (SZ) and substance use disorder (SUD). The research question posed for this topic: among patients with a DD of SZ and SUD what current treatments offer optimal outcomes?

Methods: The research for this paper was predominantly a literature review. Forty-five sources were utilized in its construction. The majority of sources were peer-reviewed studies obtained from an online service via the Lindell Library at Augsburg University. Three textbooks were utilized. One expert interview was conducted.

Results: Three key findings within the research identified first, SUD …

Increasing Staff Awareness And Screening Practices For Adverse Childhood Experiences At A Primary Care Clinic, Kayla Wright

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are present in approximately 60% of the adult population in the United States. There is a correlation between adverse childhood experiences and chronic health conditions as adults. Despite the evidence showing this correlation, there is a lack of screening for ACEs in the primary care setting. Many primary care providers and staff are unaware of ACEs or the correlation with chronic health conditions and substance abuse and, therefore, do not understand how to or recognize the benefits of screening in primary care. With education for providers and staff, primary care is the ideal setting to perform …

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Nonpharmacological Intervention Education For Healthcare Professionals Caring For Newborns, Darby Harvey

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

Neonatal abstinence syndrome has increased significantly in the United States over the past few decades due to the increase of maternal substance abuse. The overall goal of caring for these infants is effective management of the withdrawal symptoms, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions. However, nonpharmacological interventions have been shown to improve infant outcomes and reduce length of hospitalization. This project sought to increase healthcare professionals’ knowledge and confidence regarding neonatal abstinence syndrome and the utilization of nonpharmacological interventions when caring for infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome through the provision of an educational presentation. This study utilized a one-group …

To What Extent Are Appropriate Resources Provided To Veterans With Mental Illness To Prevent Contact With The Criminal Justice System?, Riley Christine Doyle

Master’s Theses and Projects

United States military veterans are a special population of men and women that have willingly sacrificed their lives to serve their country. They are perceived to be patriotic, honorable, strong, and disciplined people. Unfortunately, veterans are not exempt from committing criminal acts that land them in the criminal justice system. In fact, veterans are highly susceptible to developing mental illnesses and substance use disorders which can ultimately lead to criminal behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine to what extent available resources are provided to veterans to help them prevent contact with the criminal justice system. This study …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Developing Empowerment: Supporting The Recovery Of Women Affected By Substance Abuse In A Residential Treatment Facility, Margaret Schneider-Adams, Molly Schneider-Adams

OTD Capstone Projects

An Occupational Therapy Approach to Developing Empowerment: Supporting the Recovery of Women Affected by Substance Abuse in a Residential Treatment Facility Capstone project poster and presentation in fulfillment of Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program at Belmont University.

Smart Brain Of India Vs. Tricky Drugs, Rashmii K.S.

Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Policy Of Substance Abuse In Liberia: Analysis And Recommendations, Yamah Dolo

Community Engagement Student Work

Countries all over the globe are affected by substance abuse. Substance abuse is a traumatic issue that people around the world battle. Substance use has occurred for many years and seems to keep increasing. According to Parekh, “Substance use disorder (SUD) is complex a condition in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequence.” (Parekh, 2017). Substance abuse has a significant effect on health, an individual’s well-being, families, relationships, and the post-war community. However, with the information on Liberia, little is known about the substance abuse cases. Liberia is a country that has no health, and there …

Drug Courts And The Following Of The Federal Guidelines, Charles James Souza

Master’s Theses and Projects

During the 1980’s, drug offense were running high within the United States. The court system along with the police and other fields were forced to form other methods of dealing with offenders who have a substance abuse problem. In 1989, the first drug court in the United States was formed in the state if Florida. The idea was to create a therapeutic method to help those who are committing non-violent criminal acts due to their addiction. The goal of drug court was to get offenders the treatment they needed so they would not resort to criminal activity. Drug court personal …

Stronger Together: A Case For Partnering Dance/Movement Therapy And Medically Assisted Treatment For A Comprehensive Embodied Approach To The Opioid Crisis, Jayann Chipman

Dance/Movement Therapy Theses

An estimated 2.1 million people in the US are estimated to have opioid use disorder. Medically assisted treatment as an approach utilizes medication, counseling, and group therapy for treatment of opioid use disorder and increases the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions. It has positive effects on treatment retention, and doubles the probability that an individual will one day achieve abstinence. Medically assisted treatment addresses physical symptoms of withdrawal, but it does not include the embodied experience. Dance/movement therapy addresses the multilevel human experience in an approach to wellness. Dance/movement therapy as a bidirectional modality uses movement and body-mind connectivity to …

Experiences Of Caregivers And Healthcare Practitioners Working With Children With Histories Of Family Trauma And Substance Abuse, Alexandra Contreras

OT Student Capstones

While the number of infants born with substance abuse exposure continues to grow, the United States lacks a national monitoring system (CDC, 2019). This may contribute to the discrepancy of services and supports available to those working with children with histories of family trauma and substance abuse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs and challenges of caregivers and healthcare practitioners working with children with histories of family trauma and substance abuse. To obtain a better understanding and well-rounded image of the challenges and needs, information was gathered from various perspectives of those involved. This OT doctoral …

A Comparison Of Populations: Formerly Incarcerated Men With Substance Use Disorder And Adolescent Psychiatric Patients, Jeanie Fairchild

OT Student Capstones

Aims of the project:

• Equip Maricopa Reentry Center (MRC) residents with life skills necessary for successful reentry.
• Utilize knowledge gained at MRC to teach life skills to adolescents patients at St. Luke’s Behavioral Center (SLBC).

Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling And Genetic Association Analysis In Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Receiving Morphine Or Clonidine, Fei Tang

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Neonatal abstinence syndrome, or NAS, is a postnatal opioid withdrawal syndrome occurring in 55% to 94% of neonates as a result of in utero exposure to opioids. It has emerged as a significant public health issue, as its incidence more than quadrupled in the past decade. There is significant variability in disease severity and treatment outcomes in neonates with NAS due to patient-specific factors and treatment- or site-specific factors. To understand what contributes to variability in length of hospital stay and other outcomes in neonates with NAS, we assessed population pharmacokinetics (PK) of clonidine and morphine, and we investigated potential …

Monitoring Opioid Use In Cancer Survivors: Implementation Of Screening, Brief Intervention, And Referral To Treatment (Sbirt) In A Clinical Setting, Jennifer M. Dolly Prothro

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Kentucky is a disparate state, ranking as one of the top states in incidence, prevalence, and mortality for both opioid use disorders (OUD) and cancer. Due to the high volume of both diseases in the state, there is a rising concern about the overlap of these two populations. Cancer and its’ treatment are known to cause chronic pain, defined as daily pain lasting 3 months or longer. Generally, chronic pain patients of any type are known to experience higher rates of opioid misuse (21-28%) and opioid dependence (8-12%) than the general population (4.1%, 0.9% respectively). The risk of OUD must …

A Multinational Study Of The Etiology And Clinical Teleology Of Moral Evaluations Of Patient Behaviors, Anna Yu Lee

CGU Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation is a collection of four studies which collectively explore a hypothesized construct of ‘moral evaluation of patient behaviors’ (MEPB) as a driver of health professionals’ readiness to interact humanistically with their patients. In these studies, ‘humanistic interactions’ refer to the non-technical, intangible skills and factors of clinical competence; the factors specifically explored in these studies were compassion toward patients, self-efficacy for treating patients, and optimism toward patient treatment. For the purpose of specificity, all factors were examined as they pertained to patients with substance use disorders. Survey data from a convenience sample of 524 health professionals (i.e. physicians, …

Patient Satisfaction With Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Services, Trupti Dhumal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Patient satisfaction is considered as an important indicator in the evaluation of healthcare quality across an array of treatments and services. It is deemed vital especially in the field of substance use disorder (SUD) research due to an increased emphasis on understanding patients’ perceptions regarding their treatment and the attributes that drive their progress towards recovery. Despite the potential value, gaps have been recognized in the exploration of these satisfaction-related assessments among patients undergoing SUD treatment in residential rehabilitative settings. Thus, there is a need for understanding the dimensions contributing to satisfaction which would facilitate the development of …

Introduction Of Auricular Acupuncture, Monica Lyons

Doctoral Projects

The overall purpose of this quality improvement project was to assess if there was an interest to add auricular acupuncture to a substance abuse program. The two guiding questions of the Doctor of Nursing Project were (a) how can auricular acupuncture be helpful when treating patients with substance abuse in a selected organization? (b) what information is needed for both staff and patients to make an informed decision regarding auricular acupuncture? The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) framework was used as the theory framework for implementation of evidence-based research into an organization. The facilitator in the …

A Literature Review On Substance Related Grief And Expressive Art Therapy Support Groups, Holly N. St. Cyr

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

In the year of 2017, 18.7 million Americans aged 18 years or older were reported to have a substance use disorder and the pervasiveness of substance related deaths escalated (McCance- Katz, 2017). Researchers have examined how grief experienced by substance users and their loved ones is often disenfranchised by social stigmatization, loss of support, and feelings of regret, blame, humiliation, and shame. According to Valentine, Bauld, and Walter, (2016) “bereavement following a drug or alcohol related death has been largely neglected in research and service provision, despite its global prevalence and potentially devastating consequences for those concerned,” (p. 283). Studies …