Promoting Empathetic and Stigma-Free Care for Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder: Assessing NO STIGMA Simulations...

Stigmatizing attitudes toward patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) contribute to suboptimal care. The NO STIGMA simulation set was developed to reduce stigma toward individuals with OUD and promote positive and effective care.

A two-phase sequential mixed methods study evaluated the feasibility of the No STIGMA simulations and the effectiveness on student outcomes of stigma, caring attitudes, and empathy. Pre-post measures were collected from 60 nursing students in undergraduate and graduate programs using the Drug User Stigmatization Scale (DUSS), Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ) and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professional Students (JSE-HCP). Simulation effectiveness was measured using the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M).

Results showed significant reduction in stigma (DUSS p < 0.001) and improved empathy (JSE scores p < 0.01) and therapeutic communication (DDPPQ p < 0.001). Mean SET-M score of 50.69, indicated positive perceived effectiveness. Simulations positively influenced participants' attitudes toward individuals with OUD.

The NO STIGMA simulations effectively decreased stigma and increased empathy among nursing students. There were measurable improvements in students' attitudes, empathy and communication skills, which are essential in delivering equitable, quality care to individuals with OUD.