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Preventing Opioid Misuse and Potential Abuse: The Nurse's Role in Patient Education
Margaret Costello1, Sarah Thompson1
1Simmons College, School of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Nursing Department, Boston, Massachusetts.
Summary
Nurses demonstrate a significant knowledge gap regarding opioid analgesics, impacting patient education. Targeted opioid education is crucial for improving nurses
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Nurses are essential in educating patients on the safe and effective use of opioid analgesics.
- A comprehensive understanding of opioids by nurses is critical for optimal patient care and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess registered nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding opioid analgesics.
- To identify specific areas of knowledge deficits in opioid management among nurses.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study utilizing a 48-item web-based questionnaire.
- Survey data collected from 133 registered nurses at two large urban medical centers.
- Statistical analysis included frequencies and chi-squared testing for knowledge gaps.
Main Results:
- A significant knowledge gap in pain management was identified among nurses concerning opioid analgesics.
- Deficits were noted in areas including patient assessment, pharmacologic management, addiction risks, and safe disposal.
- Only 25% of nurses correctly answered 50% of the survey questions, indicating widespread insufficient knowledge.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a critical need for enhanced opioid education for nurses.
- Nurses with specific opioid education performed better, underscoring the importance of targeted training.
- Addressing this knowledge gap is vital for improving nurses' ability to provide effective patient education on opioid use.
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