Testing Interventions to Address Bias About Patients with Opioid Use Disorder in the Emergency Department

Reducing nurse bias about patients with opioid use disorder in the emergency department is critical for providing nonjudgmental care, enhancing patient outcomes, supporting effective communication, and promoting a holistic approach to care. Emergency nurses can make a positive impact on the lives of individuals diagnosed as having opioid use disorder by providing care that is free from stigma and discrimination.

The study used an observational, pretest-posttest design to compare educational sessions addressing bias and stigma toward patients with opioid use disorder. The study population consisted of emergency nurses who self-selected into a virtual learning experience consisting of e-modules or simulation-based experience consisting of simulation-based experience consisting of simulation, discussion, and a speaker.

After the intervention, the simulation-based experience group showed an increase in total score postintervention from a mean of 118.6 to a mean of 127.1 (P < .001). The virtual learning experience group also showed an increase in total score postintervention from a mean of 116.3 to 120.7 (P < .001). Although both groups showed an increase in scores over time, the simulation-based experience group had a greater increase (P = .0037). Within the simulation-based experience, there was an increase in scores across all age groups (P < .05) but a significantly greater increase in scores among younger nurses (18-29 years) than the older age groups (P = .006).

Opioid use disorder is a complex condition that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach to care. Study results indicate that providing an educational experience to address stigma about patients diagnosed as having opioid use disorder can significantly affect nurse perceptions about these patients and their self-efficacy when working with them. However, investing in a simulation-based educational experience provides a stronger experience and results in greater change, particularly for younger, less experienced emergency nurses.