UNDER PRESSURE SUBSTANCE ADDICTION AMONG PERIOPERATIVE NURSES – ADDRESSING RISK AND REALITIES AND RESPONSES IN THE OR

INTRODUCTION

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Substance addiction in healthcare is a growing concern and Theatre Nurses are uniquely at risk.

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WHY FOCUS ON THEATRE NURSES

High stress Environment

Long irregular hours

Emotional burden from patient outcomes

Easy access to controlled substances.

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SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM

10-15% of healthcare professionals will misuse substances during their careers. (Baldisseri,2007).

Substance use is often underreported.

Risk of patient safety and staff well-being

KEY RISK FACTORS

Access to medications. (opiods and sedatives)

Performance pressure

Culture of silence and self reliance

Burnout and fatigue

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Inadequate mental health support.

SIGNS OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE IN COLLEAGUES

Frequent absences and lateness.

Volunteering for medication handling.

Mood swings or irritability.

Unexplained mistakes or lapses in judgement.

BARRIERS TO HELP SEEKING

Fear of losing license or job.

Stigma and shame.

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Lack of confidential reporting systems.

Percieved lack of support from leadership.

CONSEQUENCES

Risk to patient safety.

Damage to team trust and morale

Long term health effects e.g kidney or liver failure.

Professional and legal consequences.

STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION AND SUPPORT

Confidential early intervention programs.

Non-punitive reporting mechanisms.

Access to mental health and addiction services.

Mandatory education on addiction and coping strategies.

Peer support groups.

CALL TO ACTION

Normalize conversations around mental health and substance use.

Train leaders how to recognize and respond compassionately

Implement systemic changes.

Protect both staff and patients.