The Missing Link: Exploring the History of Harm Reduction Nursing in Canada 1998-2018 to Provide Recommendations for Inpatient Mental Health Nurses

Compassionate Care for People with Cancer and Opioid Use Disorder

ABSTRACT

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is an important comorbidity to assess and manage in people with cancer. In this article, the authors discuss strategies for safe opioid management in individuals with OUD and cancer-related pain using a composite case example. They highlight core approaches to pain management, including motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and evidence-based treatments, as well as advocacy for person-centered end-of-life care.

Nursing Students' Use of Harm Reduction in the Clinical Setting

BACKGROUND

The use and awareness of harm reduction education strategies are missing from nursing care of people with substance use disorder (SUD).

PURPOSE

To determine whether targeted training improved nursing students' application of harm reduction education in the clinical setting.

METHODS

This was an experimental 2-group repeated-measures survey study. Nursing students in a baccalaureate program received targeted training for 3 semesters. Training included presentations by people with lived experience, an addiction-trained physician, and a role-play exercise. Students received harm reduction education and reported on the application of this education.

RESULTS

Students in the traditional track cared for more people with SUD than students in the accelerated track. Referral for treatment was the most common education provided, and information related to injection drug use was the least commonly taught education.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted training increased the number of harm reduction options nursing students presented to people with SUD in the clinical setting.