Substance abuse education liaisons: a collaborative continuing education program for nurses in acute care settings.
BACKGROUND
Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse undermine physical and psychological well-being, contributing to the array of illnesses that necessitate admission to acute care settings. Addictive disorders often are undetected, underreported, or overshadowed by the primary illness. Nurses need continuing education to enhance competence in meeting this challenging problem.


METHODS
Through a unique collaboration between university faculty and acute care nurses from seven hospitals, the nurses attended 18 monthly workshops designed to meet their learning needs related to substance abuse.


RESULTS
The nurses acquired essential knowledge and skills regarding substance abusing clients. The publication of a substance abuse resource manual and the establishment of a continuing network of professionals committed to improving practice are additional positive outcomes of this endeavor.


CONCLUSIONS
Project SAEL (Substance Abuse Education Liaisons) is a model that can be emulated by others.
Marcus
M T
MT
Department of Nursing Systems and Technology, University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center School of Nursing 77030, USA.
Rickman
K A
KA
Sobhan
T
T
D000208:Acute Disease / Q000451:nursing*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013781:Texas