A University of Pittsburgh researcher has developed a patient-centered educational program to better inform primary care providers (PCPs) how stigma impacts substance use, patient care and recovery. Stigma has been defined as “an attribute that is deeply discrediting” and is linked with social rejection and status loss. Research has shown that stigma can prevent patients from seeking specialty care and is associated with poorer health outcomes.
Description
This new educational program specifically addresses how attitudes and perceptions impact substance use disorder (SUD), misuse, and recovery. The course also reviews medical evidence about the negative physical and mental impact that language used by PCPs and other individuals can have on patients who are struggling with substance misuse. Key information along with extensive examples of respectful person-centered language is provided. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) gain essential skills in helping patients to destigmatize substance misuse and guide them into understanding their condition as a disease, rather than something about which they should be ashamed.
Applications
• Healthcare professional training
Advantages
Research on substance abuse has found that internalized stigma (such as shame) can lead to low-self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. External stigma, which is unfair treatment by others, can make HCPs less willing to screen for and address substance use problems, severely impacting the potential for patients to receive appropriate care. The annual economic cost of alcohol misuse and illicit drug use is estimated at $442 billion. Reducing the stigma related to substance use can help relieve this massive financial burden and support patients and their families.
A major advantage of this innovative program is that it clearly and constructively addresses how stigmatization negatively affects patient care. It provides PCPs with practical and evidence-based instruction on empowering patients to overcome tendencies for substance misuse or disorders. Evidence-based research is summarized, including data that nearly two-thirds of injection drug use can be attributed to abusive/traumatic childhood events. There is also information on performing language audits to increase the use of person-centered language.
Invention Readiness
Even though the prevalence of SUDs has been growing, patients challenged by substance misuse remain undertreated in healthcare. Clinical evidence has clearly demonstrated the value of SUD treatment adherence – even when compared with diabetes and hypertension. The substance use recovery process is well-defined in this program, and major issues are clearly addressed, for example, opioid use disorder and the role of adverse childhood events. PCPs can use the information from this program to create a patient care environment that reduces stigma and allows for linkages to SUD specialty care as needed, making recovery a tangible reality for patients.
IP Status
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