Date of Conferral
11-15-2024
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Mattie Burton
Abstract
Addressing the knowledge gap is essential in nursing practice, as RNs are the first point of contact for patients in mental health settings where substance use significantly influences overall health and recovery. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project focused on the need for staff education in an inpatient mental health unit regarding the assessment and triage of patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). The guiding question for this project was: “In nurses working within an inpatient mental health setting, does the implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) training improve knowledge in assessing, managing, and providing care for patients with substance use disorders?” This project aimed to help at least 90% of the RNs demonstrate improved knowledge through 10-item pre- and post-training assessments. The goal was to reflect at least a 30% increase in average scores by the program’s conclusion. The results revealed an average pretest score of 6.76, which increased to an average posttest score of 9.38, a 38.76 percentage change. Furthermore, the paired t test revealed a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores, with a p value of less than .0001. The mean difference was -3.69, with a 95% confidence interval of -3.96 to -3.41. The t value was 27.39, based on 34 degrees of freedom, and the standard error of the difference was 0.135. Conclusions drawn recommended ongoing education initiatives. The implications for nursing practice include that improved training enhances knowledge and promotes a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment by prioritizing substance use treatment in mental health care. By advancing the understanding and management of SUDs, this project sought to facilitate positive social change, ensuring that diverse populations receive fair and informed care in inpatient settings.
Recommended Citation
Jikamo, Kifle Gashie, "Teaching SBIRT to Nurses in a Mental Health Setting for Improved Assessment and Management of Patients With Substance Use Disorders" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16648.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16648
