Collaborative Strategies in Nursing and Social Work for Enhancing Addiction Treatment and Patient Education

Abstract

Introduction:

Despite the potential benefits of collaborative strategies involving nursing and social work in addiction treatment, the literature lacks a comprehensive synthesis of existing evidence on this topic. This review aimed to address the impact of collaborative strategies in nursing and social work on enhancing addiction treatment and patient education.

Methods:

A comprehensive search strategy using a combination of MeSH terms and keywords was adaptable to various databases. Interventional studies meeting predetermined criteria were included, while non-interventional studies and those not relevant to the research focus were excluded. The two-stage selection process, involving title/abstract screening and full-text review, was conducted by independent reviewers to minimize bias and ensure the quality of selected studies. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer when necessary.

Results:

The included interventional studies and clinical trials highlighted the adaptability of collaborative strategies involving nursing and social work to different contexts, with sample sizes ranging from 245 to 780 participants. These studies demonstrated the potential of collaborative care in reducing addiction relapse rates by 30%, lowering the risk of addiction-related hospital readmissions by 35%, and increasing patient knowledge scores by 20%. Additionally, collaborative care was associated with a 40% higher likelihood of patients completing their addiction treatment program and a 25% reduction in addiction severity scores. However, variations in study designs and outcomes should be considered when interpreting these findings.

Conclusions:

This systematic review highlights the potential of collaborative strategies involving nursing and social work professionals to enhance addiction treatment and patient education, as evidenced by reduced relapse rates, improved patient education, lower readmission rates, and enhanced treatment retention, supporting their integration in addiction treatment settings for improved patient outcomes.