Mainstreaming drug and alcohol strategies into nursing practice

• Published in: Journal of substance misuse Vol. 2; no. 2; pp. 98 - 104
• Main Authors: Harvey, T. L., Russell, S. V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 1997
• Subjects: Education; Guidelines; New South Wales; Nursing; Substance abuse
• ISSN: 1357-5007
• DOI: 10.3109/14659899709085007

In October 1991 the New South Wales Department of Health, Australia, together with the New South Wales Drug and Alcohol Directorate launched 'The Strategic Plan for Nurse Education and Nursing Management of Alcohol and Other Drugs'. This plan highlighted the need to develop the skills and knowledge of all accredited nurses in dealing with alcohol and other drug issues. The Strategic Plan also challenged health care providers to address policy in relation to admission, assessment, early intervention, management of intoxication and management of withdrawal states. Since 1992, nursing services in collaboration with nurse education within Western Sydney Area Health Service have developed several initiatives to implement the nurse Strategic Plan. It was recognized that to achieve the outcomes of the Strategic Plan, the support of nursing management and nurse educators, both in hospitals and in the community health setting was paramount. This paper critically examines the guidelines, policies and education tools developed within Western Sydney Area Health Service and evaluates the effectiveness of a change in nursing practice. The paper also discusses the barriers to implementation and highlights the strategies defined to improve nurse education and patient outcomes towards the new millennium.