Barriers to Care for Nursing Home Residents With Substance Use Disorders: A Qualitative Study

Over the past decade, the numbers of older adults with opioid and substance use disorders (OUD/SUD) have increased. As this population enters nursing homes (NHs) in increasing numbers, it is crucial to consider their capacity to manage issues related to OUD/SUD. This study aimed to examine current NH protocols for care coordination of residents with OUD/SUD as well as facility-related barriers to providing care to this vulnerable population within the NH.

Twenty-four semistructured interviews were conducted with NH staff including directors of nursing, administrators, nurses, and physicians in July 2020. Staff were recruited from 11 different post-acute care and long-term care facilities located in urban and suburban communities of Chicago. Interviews were conducted virtually (via teleconference platform or by telephone) and subsequently coded using ATLAS.ti 8 (ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany) using constant comparative method.

Qualitative analyses identified 3 themes around NH barriers to care for residents with SUD/OUD: (1) staff preparedness, (2) staff perceptions of addiction, and (3) overall lack of resources. Results revealed a strong need for the development of consistent policies, as well as standardized, educational interventions for NH staff that target SUD/OUD management in this vulnerable population.

The evaluation and impact of persons with SUD/OUD entering NHs are an important topic that requires further study. More resources and staff training are necessary to ensure that residents with SUD/OUD have access to appropriate care within these settings.