Date of Award

Spring 5-14-2022

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Amanda Alonzo

Second Advisor

Dr. Kristi Stuck

Third Advisor

Dr. Gena Coomes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if an educational resource provided to maternal healthcare providers, more specifically, providers in a Midwest regional hospital and clinic, would reduce the stigma associated with maternal substance use disorder (SUD). This project also aimed at increasing provider knowledge on the disease process of maternal SUD and current treatment guidelines.

A quantitative research design was used for this study. There was no control group; therefore, it is a quasi-experimental study. Qualtrics were utilized to design a pre-test and post-test. An email including a brief description of the study, an invitation to participate, and a link to the pre-test were sent to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Women's Health Unit and Women's Health Clinic employees. This included nurses, obstetric gynecological physicians, a pediatrician, a family practice physician, and a nurse practitioner. Following the pre-test, an electronic handout was provided followed by a post-test. The pre-test and post-test results were compared to determine if the educational handout decreased the healthcare providers' stigma associated with maternal substance use disorder and increased their knowledge of the disease.

In conclusion, the study found that providing an educational resource decreased provider perceived stigma and increased their overall knowledge of maternal SUD. The study also revealed the provider's desire to become role models and a need for increased education on maternal SUD. Providers should be encouraged to stay abreast on the topic, including maternal SUD evidence-based treatment guidelines, and the disease process. Healthcare providers should also continue to evaluate personal bias related to this topic.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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