Examination of Factors Affecting Therapeutic Attitude and Empowerment of Perianesthesia Nurses Who Care for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and associated complexities are presenting to hospitals in increasing numbers. Preparation of perianesthesia nurses caring for this patient population has lagged, with noted deficits in continuing education, resources, and role support. Previous research found education without considering therapeutic attitude (TA), empowerment and factors that influence nursing practice does not translate into feelings of competence in nursing care. The purpose of this study was to identify correlates and predictors that affect TA and empowerment among perianesthesia nurses caring for patients with OUD. Design: A cross-sectional, correlation design was used to identify correlates and predictors of TA and empowerment in a national sample of perianesthesia nurses (N = 215) Methods: A national survey collected data from perianesthesia nurses. The Perianesthesia Nurse Empowerment and Therapeutic Attitude Model was the guiding framework. Pearson product-moment correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships between personal factors, the professional practice environment and societal factors of perianesthesia nurses. Findings: The standardized regression coefficients indicated the professional practice environment (β = -0.28), drug user stigma (β = 0.27), access to a pain specialist (β = 0.25), and exposure to drug users (β = 0.25) were the strongest predictors of TA. Access to a pain specialist (β = -0.15) and the professional practice environment (β = 0.72) were the strongest predictors of empowerment. Conclusions: The professional practice environment directly influenced the degree of empowerment and TA reported by perianesthesia nurses. Exposure to persons with OUD and personal stigmatization of persons who misuse drugs decreased TA but had no association with empowerment. Access to a pain specialist was moderately predictive of empowerment and negatively associated with TA suggesting a lack of role legitimacy and the need for further research into perianesthesia nurses’ perceptions of their role when caring for this population.