A Call for Compassionate Care

Abstract

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2014) reported that 1.1% of pregnant women used nonprescription opiates (either heroin or prescription pills) in the last 30 days. Methadone and buprenorphine are the most common treatments for opiate addiction in pregnant women. Reasons for seeking opiate maintenance treatment (OMT) include keeping custody of one's children and the hope of developing a healthy parenting relationship. Yet, healthcare organizations and professionals have mixed opinions regarding health promotion within the maternal OMT population. Proper education regarding the growing and complex opiate epidemic continues to remain a void for many healthcare professionals. It is imperative that nurses who regularly interact with women in OMT show compassion and competence. It is important to highlight the universality of the challenges and needs of caring for the OMT population. This Perspectives column will explore and describe the context of maternal nonprescription opiate use and the care mothers in OMT should receive based on established nursing ethical standards.

Health Care Encounters of Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Substance Use Disorders

“…The goal of the model is to understand and validate the patient's experience and could serve as a framework for interacting with women with SUDs. Alexander (2017) suggested that providing compassionate care for women with addictions is enhanced by listening to their stories, reflecting on their stories, and affirming the women. Third, maternity nurses may need professional role support to overcome barriers to caring for pregnant and postpartum women with SUDs -especially barriers encountered in caring for women who do not fit the norm of the "good patient."…”

Women and Substance Use: An Overview for Nurses

“…Mothers who are maintaining recovery through a medically supervised program stay connected to their children. Separation from their children can result in depression, poor recovery outcomes, and diminished senses of identity (Alexander, 2017).…”

“…Research has found many healthcare professionals who carry negative views and stigmatizing attitudes toward people who misuse drugs or other substances (Alexander, 2017;Chu & Galang, 2013;Puskar et al, 2013). Negative attitudes significantly influence the nurse-patient relationship and adversely affect patient outcomes.…”

“…Sharing and openness creates a positive environment for the relationship to grow. Finally, more experience and exposure with compassion with women experiencing substance use fosters more compassionate healthcare environments (Alexander, 2017).…”

“…Women sometimes encounter negative attitudes and stigma when seeking care for substance use disorders or addictions (Alexander, 2017;Chu & Galang, 2013;Puskar et al, 2013). Healthcare professionals' attitudes toward patients who report substance use directly affect the recovery success and health outcomes (Alexander, 2017). Negative attitudes may influence one's willingness to engage and develop a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, contributing to suboptimal care.…”