Clinical knowledge and skill priorities in substance abuse education: a nursing faculty longitudinal survey

The aims of this study were to: 1) determine which of 16 substance abuse content areas nursing faculty fellows considered important for their professional growth; 2) determine content areas in which faculty fellows planned to obtain knowledge and skill development during the coming year; and 3) to identify content areas faculty fellows thought undergraduate and/or graduate students should be taught. Questionnaires were mailed to the 43 nursing faculty fellows who were recipients of substance abuse federal training during the 1989-1994 academic years. The response rate was 81%. One and a half years later, 66% responded to the same items on a follow-up survey. The results showed that faculty ratings of knowledge and skill development needs for themselves and their students in nursing were stable over time. Findings can be used to guide faculty and curriculum development in alcohol and other substance abuse.