Challenges of nursing care of hospitalized patients with substance use disorders

The prevalence of hospitalized patients with various medical diagnoses and a history of drug use disorders in hospitals is high. Considering the high prevalence and numerous problems of the medical staff in caring for these patients, it is very reasonable to consider it as one of the health priorities that endangers the quality of care. The purpose of this study is to explain and clarify the challenges of nurses in caring for hospitalized patients with substance use disorders.

This qualitative study was conducted in 2023 at the University of Rehabilitation Sciences and Social Health. The study was conducted using Elo and Kingas style content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with an average time of 45 minutes per interview. The participants were 12 nurses working in hospitals affiliated to the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, who were selected by purposive sampling.

280 codes, 14 subcategories and 4 main categories were the results of the analysis of the interviews. The theme of burnout in providing care was extracted through four main categories of cultural misconceptions, providing more care, condemning attitude and complexity of pain management.

Care and attitude challenges in the care of these patients create concerns in the nursing community regarding the safety of patients and the quality of care. Therefore, the relevant authorities should pay attention to the perceived challenges of nurses and try to plan to solve them.