Health Promotion in an Opioid Treatment Program: An Evidence-Based Nursing Quality Improvement Project.
Community assessment and review of the literature indicate that individuals supported in opioid treatment programs are at a significant disadvantage for access to preventative and primary healthcare. In addition, this population faces increased comorbidities and chronic disease. Finally, access to housing, nutritious food, and other social determinants of health is also a challenge for these individuals. This project, aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and improving health outcomes for the opioid treatment program client, was undertaken at a large, private, not-for-profit, community mental health center in an urban area. An education-practice partnership was created between the center and the local university's College of Nursing, which includes undergraduate and graduate programs. Working with administration, nurses, medical staff, and clinicians, the advanced practice nurse guided nursing practice change within the context of an interdisciplinary team to increase attention to clients' health needs. Outcomes included a more comprehensive nursing health assessment and increased attention to nursing care coordination. The partnership between the university and the facility continues with the goal of addressing clients' unmet healthcare needs and improving wellness via on-site intervention, referral, and education.
Christine Gadbois, DNP, RN-BC, CDDN, CBIS, APHN-BC, The Providence Center, Providence, Rhode Island, and College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Elizabeth D. Chin, PhD, RN, ANP, College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Lee Dalphonse, CAGS, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, LCDS, ICCDP-D, High Point Treatment Center, Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Department of Counseling, Educational Leadership and School Psychology, Rhode Island College.
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Elizabeth D
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D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008404:Massachusetts; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D057184:Practice Patterns, Nurses'; D016730:Program Development; D058996:Quality Improvement