Optimizing screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) training for nurses and social workers: Testing the added effect of online patient simulation.

Background: Social workers and nurses are critical to the amelioration of substance misuse, making their training in evidence-based practices such as screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) particularly pertinent. Online patient simulation (OPS) is one training modality that allows students to develop and practice SBIRT skills that they might not obtain through didactic instruction, but it can be time and resource intensive. The aim of this study was to test the effect of OPS, over and above in-person training, on students' SBIRT attitudes, knowledge, and perceived skills. Methods: Social work and nursing students (N = 308) were recruited from a college in the northeastern United States. Students in the study were randomly assigned to either training as usual (TAU), which included pre-coursework videos, in-person didactic instruction, and role-plays, or the experimental condition (EXP), consisting of TAU plus access to self-paced SBIRT skills practice using OPS by SIMmersion. The SBIRT Attitudes, Self-perception of Skills, and Knowledge (AKS) survey was delivered at baseline, immediately post-training, and at 30-day follow-up (post-30) to assess overall changes as well as changes in the specific domains of SBIRT confidence, importance, and attitudes. Paired t tests were conducted to determine differences in mean scores between time points for the entire sample. Independent-samples t tests were conducted to test differences between EXP and TAU on AKS scores at each time point and to test differences between high and low OPS use. Results: Results showed a significant difference from pre- to post-training on composite AKS scores. There were no significant differences between TAU and EXP in composite scores or by AKS domain, and no differences within the EXP group for those with high and low use. Conclusions: Participants in EXP did not have significantly increased AKS scores, demonstrating that access to OPS did not produce an additive effect on the acquisition of self-perceived SBIRT knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

Utility of biochemical verification of tobacco cessation in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Research on the validity of self-report tobacco use has varied by the population studied and has yet to be examined among smokers serviced by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of returning a biochemical urine test and the specificity and sensitivity of self-reported tobacco use status compared to biochemical verification. This was a sub-analysis of the larger Tobacco Tactics research study, a pre-/post-non-randomized control design study to implement and evaluate a smoking cessation intervention in three large VA hospitals. Inpatient smokers completed baseline demographic, health history and tobacco use measures. Patients were sent a follow-up survey at six-months to assess tobacco use and urine cotinine levels. A total of 645 patients returned six-month surveys of which 578 also returned a urinary cotinine strip at six-months. Multivariate analysis of the predictors of return rate revealed those more likely to return biochemical verification of their smoking status were younger, more likely to be thinking about quitting smoking, have arthritis, and less likely to have heart disease. The sensitivity and specificity of self-report tobacco use were 97% (95% confidence interval=0.95-0.98) and 93% (95% confidence interval=0.84-0.98) respectively. The misclassification rate among self-reported quitters was 21%. The misclassification rate among self-reported tobacco users was 1%. The sensitivity and specificity of self-report tobacco use were high among veteran smokers, yet among self-report quitters that misclassification rate was high at 21% suggesting that validating self-report tobacco measures is warranted in future studies especially in populations that are prone to misclassification.

SBIRT goes to college: interdisciplinary screening for alcohol use.

Although risky/harmful drinking, in the form of binge drinking, remains a national problem, only recently have health services in universities systematically screened for drinking, drug use, and smoking. This article recounts "lessons learned" in two nurse-directed, interdisciplinary health services, which adapted the National College Depression Partnership model to include screening and brief intervention (SBIRT) for risky/harmful alcohol use in the form of binge drinking. Using a planned change model, nurse leaders worked with university administrators, providers, and health service staff to screen all students seeking health services for risky drinking. The outcomes suggest that this process may increase staff and student awareness of the importance of alcohol consumption to health, show the ease of using SBIRT screening along with standard screening tools, and yield information on the normalization of high-risk drinking in collegiate settings. Project findings indicate that common perceptions in college students minimize negative outcomes and stress the importance of additional quality assurance initiatives that review the efficacy of combinations of standardized screening tools.

Evaluation of a pilot training program in alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for nurses in inpatient settings.

Alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is a set of clinical strategies for reducing the burden of alcohol-related injury, disease, and disability. SBIRT is typically considered a physician responsibility but calls for interdisciplinary involvement requiring basic SBIRT knowledge and skills training for all healthcare disciplines. The purpose of this pilot study was to design, implement, and evaluate a theory-driven SBIRT training program for nurses in inpatient settings (RN-SBIRT) that was developed through an interdisciplinary collaboration of nursing, medical, and public health professionals and tailored for registered nurses in the inpatient setting. In this three-phase study, we evaluated (1) RN-SBIRT's effectiveness for changing nurses' alcohol-related knowledge, clinical practice, and attitudes and (2) the feasibility of implementing the inpatient curriculum. In a quasi-experimental design, two general medical units at our facility were randomized to receive RN-SBIRT or a self-directed Web site on alcohol-related care. We performed a formative evaluation of RN-SBIRT, guided by the RE-AIM implementation framework. After training, nurses in the experimental condition had significant increases in Role Adequacy for working with drinkers and reported increased performance and increased competence for a greater number of SBIRT care tasks. Despite some scheduling challenges for the nurses to attend RN-SBIRT, nurse stakeholders were highly satisfied with RN-SBIRT. Results suggest that with adequate training and ongoing role support, nurses in inpatient settings could play active roles in interdisciplinary initiatives to address unhealthy alcohol use among hospitalized patients.

Competencia de la enfermera hospitalaria en drogodependencias / Competencies of the hospital nurse on drug dependencies

La drogadicción tiene importantes repercusiones en todos los niveles de la sociedad y, en particular, sobre el sistema sanitario, como consecuencia de las enfermedades y accidentes que producen, siendo elevado el número de personas drogadictas que precisan ingreso hospitalario para su tratamiento. Objetivos: conocer la competencia que tienen los profesionales de Enfermería del hospital para la atención de los pacientes con problemas de drogodependencia. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo en el Hospital General Universitario Reina Sofía de Murcia, desde noviembre de 2009 a enero 2010, mediante un cuestionario de elaboración propia que fue administrado al total de enfermeras del hospital. Resultados: se obtuvo una muestra de 120 cuestionarios cumplimentados. Un 59,2% de las enfermeras trata frecuentemente con pacientes drogodependientes. El 65,8% piensa que los prejuicios, la delincuencia, el miedo y las enfermedades asociadas influyen negativamente en la relación terapéutica. Un 38% incluyeron en la valoración enfermera el consumo de sustancias ilegales, registrándolo menos del 25%. Las enfermeras conocen los signos y síntomas de los síndromes de abstinencia yal menos el 50% de los de la abstinencia a benzodiazepinas. El 54% de los enfermeros estudiados tienen formación en drogodependencias, el40% adquirida en cursos de postgrado. Las enfermeras conocen los recursos de los que disponen, aunque solo el 45% sabe sus funciones. Conclusiones: las enfermeras refieren la necesidad de formación específica sobre drogodependencia, ya que ésta no se aborda plenamente en los planes de estudio, lo que podría mejorar su competencia (AU)

Drug addiction has important repercussions at all levels of society and particularly on the healthcare system, as a result of diseases and accidents that it causes, with a high number of drug addicts requiring hospitalization for treatment. Objectives: to determine the competencies of hospital nurses to care for patients with substance abuse problems. Method: a descriptive and prospective study was carried out at the Reina Sofía General teaching Hospital in Murcia, from November 2009 to January2010, using a specifically designed questionnaire that was administered to all the hospital nurses. Results: a sample consisting of 120 completed questionnaires was obtained.59,2% of nurses often care for drug-dependent patients. 65,8%think that prejudice, crime, fear and associated diseases negatively influence the therapeutic relationship. 38% included in the nursing assessment the consumption of illegal substances, registering this fact less than 25% of respondents. Nurses are familiar with the signs and symptoms of withdrawal syndromes and at least 50% of them are familiar with benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. 54% of surveyed nurses are trained in drug addiction, 40% of which acquired such knowledge in postgraduate courses. Nurses are familiar with the resources at their disposal, but only 45% is aware of what these resources consist of. Conclusions: nurses report the need for specific training on drug dependencies, as this subject is not fully addressed in the curriculum and its inclusion as part of their core study program could improve nursing competency and knowledge in this area (AU)

Risky recreation: synthetic cannabinoids have dangerous effects.

Use of synthetic marijuana (also known as spice, K2, aroma, and eclipse) is often viewed by young people as harmless recreation. Until recently, the substance was freely available in U.S. convenience stores and head shops, and it is still available via the Internet. Emerging evidence shows a wide range of responses to the drug, including paranoia, aggressive behavior, anxiety, and short-term memory deficits. Synthetic cannabinoids are not currently detectable via standard toxicology tests. Recognition and management of synthetic cannabinoid use are discussed.

Bath salts: they are not what you think.

Psychoactive bath salts are a relatively new group of designer drugs sold as tablets, capsules, or powder and pur-chased in places such as tobacco and convenience stores, gas stations, head shops, and the Internet. Bath salts are stimulant agents that mimic cocaine,lysergic acid diethylamide, methamphetamine, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy). The most common bath salts are the cathinone derivatives 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone(MDPV), 4-methylmethcathinone(mephedrone), and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone (methylone). The drugs cause intense stimulation, eu-phoria, elevated mood, and a pleasurable "rush" Tachycardia, hypertension,peripheral constriction, chest pain, hallucinations, paranoia, erratic behavior,inattention, lack of memory of substance use, and psychosis have been observed in those who have used bath salts. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration recently exercised an emergency authority to name three key ingredients in bath salts as Schedule I, thereby making them illegal to possess or sell in the United States. Nursing implications related to both clinical and educational settings are discussed.

The role of urine toxicology in chronic opioid analgesic therapy.

The current trend of treating chronic nonmalignant pain with opioid therapy means that pain management nurses are increasingly involved in the care of patients who are prescribed and using potent opioid analgesics on a daily basis. Although demonstrated to be quite effective in certain patients, sanctioned access to these medications brings with it risks for abuse, addiction, and diversion. Urine toxicology analysis is a valuable, yet underutilized, tool to monitor patterns of medication use and potential use of illicit drugs to evaluate the effect of these on health outcomes. This review provides a guide for the use of urine toxicology in the nursing management of chronic pain patients on opioid therapy, detailing the information provided by urine toxicology analysis, the benefits and limitations of urine drug testing, principles of sample collection, and correct interpretation of findings. It is emphasized that the results of urine toxicology analysis should never be used in isolation to identify abuse, addiction, or diversion, and that patterns of medication and other drug use should always be evaluated with respect to evidence of improved functionality. Nurses involved in the care of patients with chronic pain are encouraged to consider urine toxicology analysis as an integral component in care plan for those on chronic opioid therapy, and to knowledgeably implement and interpret this powerful tool in the practice of pain care.

Is meconium screening appropriate for universal use? Science and ethics say no.

Researchers have been actively looking to biomarker development as a way to improve diagnosis in conditions such as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) that have typically been difficult to identify at an early stage. Meconium testing is considered a potentially useful newborn screening method. Screening for alcohol (and other drug) use is unique from all other types of newborn screening in that there is a greater element of social risk for parents, particularly mothers (public exposure of substance use with potential for child welfare involvement). There are many factors related to the science and ethics of the meconium screening process to consider before implementing universal or targeted screening. As care providers who participate in the screening and counseling process and as advocates for infants and their families, neonatal nurses should be active participants in discussions surrounding the ethical and clinical appropriateness of meconium screening program development and expansion. The science behind meconium screening at present is not strong enough to warrant widespread implementation of screening; neonatal nurses are cautioned to approach screening carefully because of the critical social implications for mother and baby.

What are the odds? Random drug testing of students: a legal perspective.

Companion articles explore random drug testing programs in schools. The first article addresses random drug testing of students from a legal perspective. It describes legal issues and current case law regarding drug testing programs in schools and commonly asked questions regarding these programs. The second article addresses random drug testing of students from a practice perspective. It explores arguments for and against random drug testing programs and the role of the school nurse in policy and procedure development.

What are the odds? Random drug testing of students: a practice perspective.

Companion articles explore random drug testing programs in schools. The first article addresses random drug testing of students from a legal perspective. It describes legal issues and current case law regarding drug testing programs in schools and commonly asked questions regarding these programs. The second article addresses random drug testing of students from a practice perspective. It explores arguments for and against random drug testing programs and the role of the school nurse in policy and procedure development.

Identifying the drug seeker: the advanced practice nurse's role in managing prescription drug abuse.

PURPOSE: To provide advanced practice nurses (APNs) with a definition of drug-seeking behaviors, to identify the common signs and symptoms of drug-seeking behaviors, to furnish tips for managing interactions with and treatment of the drug-seeking patient, and to describe prescription parameters that will help APNs avoid legal ramifications. DATA SOURCES: A review of the current scientific and clinical literature regarding interaction with and treatment of patients who abuse prescription drugs. CONCLUSIONS: A basic understanding of drug-seeking behaviors and adherence to appropriate procedures for prescribing controlled medications are essential for APNs to maintain their safe prescribing habits; carry on with quality, effective care; and continue the advancement of their profession. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As primary care providers, APNs must be aware of the potential complications resulting from interacting with patients who may be seeking prescription drugs for recreational or illicit use, rather than for legitimate reasons.

Drug screening and criminal prosecution of pregnant women.

According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Fourth Amendment rights of 10 women were violated by a hospital that provided them prenatal care. The incidence of prenatal drug testing for criminal prosecution with or without a woman's knowledge is increasing. Concurrently, funding and availability of drug treatment programs for pregnant women are declining. Nurses and physicians who act as advocates for the state rather than the patient damage the patient-provider relationship and breach their ethical responsibility to the patient.