Efficacy of a substance abuse primary prevention skills conference for nurses

A conference on substance abuse prevention skills was presented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) to provide nurses with skills to help patients in various practice settings. Information covered assessment, intervention, and tools for interviewing and identifying resources. A six-month follow-up evaluation showed that the majority of the participants incorporated the skills in their nursing practice primarily in interviewing and use of assessment questions. Directions for future conferences were identified.