An analysis of nurses' views of harm reduction measures and other treatments for the problems associated with illicit drug use

作者：Ford Rosemary^*

来源：Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2010, 28(1): 14-24.

• illicit drugs
• nurse
• education
• harm reduction
• abstinence

Objective
To analyse nurses' views of harm reduction measures and other treatments for the problems associated with illicit drug use.
Design and setting
The study, a cross-sectional survey, sampled the entire registered nurse population of the ACT. A self-complete survey was posted to home or workplace addresses. The views of all nurses registered in the ACT were sought.
Subjects
The study sample (n = 1,605: 50% response rate), was predominantly comprised of nurses working outside specialist drug and alcohol fields (94%), with a small group from specialist fields.
Main outcome measures
A 6-point Likert scale comprising 7 items (illicit drug treatments). Comparison with the Australian population was achieved through use of the National Drug Strategy Household Survey database.
Results
Nurses mirrored the views of the Australian population, being strongly supportive of two abstinence-based measures (naltrexone for the maintenance of abstinence - 82% and rapid detoxification therapy 77%) and one harm reduction measure (the needle and syringe program - 76%). Nurses' lower support for the methadone maintenance program (66%) was statistically significant.
Conclusions
Nurses reported high approval for the needle and syringe program but were mistakenly optimistic about abstinence-based measures for problems associated with illicit drugs. They reported significantly less support for important harm reduction measures - the methadone maintenance program and safe injection rooms. Nurses' low approval rating for these harm reduction measures is at odds with the evidence. This study highlights the need for education on the evidence base for the various illicit drug treatments.

• 出版日期2010-11