effects of online substance use disorder education on nurses' knowledge, confidence, and attitude toward patients with substance use disorder

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20350250

This qualitative study explored the effectiveness of an online substance use disorder educational module on the knowledge, confidence, and attitude of online RN to BSN students. A narrative analysis approach was chosen to explore the phenomenon of online education. Six RN to BSN students from a private not for profit university in the Northeast volunteered to participate in the study. Participants viewed a one-hour online educational module on addiction and substance use disorder and then answered questions in an interview format using a cloud based virtual platform. The online substance use disorder educational module included content on the neuroscience of addiction, the negative attitudes healthcare professionals have toward individuals with substance use disorder and the impact it has on the care delivered, employing the assessment tool SBIRT, stigma, and reflection on one's biases regarding substance use disorder. After analyzing data, the themes identified were Changing Nurse Attitudes, Online Substance Use Disorder Education, and Influence of Personal Experiences. The study concluded online substance use disorder education was effective in increasing knowledge and confidence in RN to BSN students as well as improving the attitude toward individuals with substance use disorder in three of the participants. Recommendations for practice include annual substance use disorder competency training offered by healthcare organizations, increased substance use disorder content in prelicensure nursing programs, and continued promotion of diversity in nursing--Author's abstract