An Advanced Practice Nurse's Contributions to the Care of Opioid-Dependent Patients in an Acute Somatic Hospital: A Qualitative Study.
Katrin Schneider, Florian Grossmann, Christine Jaiteh and 1 others
PMID 40673628WHAT IT FOUND
Patients and staff described an advanced practice nurse as checking withdrawal and craving, adjusting medications, building trust, coordinating care, and reducing conflict.
Their reports suggest this role can make hospital care more reliable for opioid-dependent patients.
Key findings
01Patients and professionals described the advanced practice nurse checking for craving and withdrawal during visits and initiating medication adjustments.
02Patients and professionals said the advanced practice nurse built trust through longer conversations, respectful treatment, and continuity across hospital stays.
03Professionals reported that the advanced practice nurse helped coordinate care between hospital and external services and supported longer recommended stays.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was small and purposive, so the themes cannot be assumed to apply to all hospitals or patients. Participants may have been more likely to join if they had positive experiences of the service. Interviews happened during hospital stays, so patients may have given socially desirable answers. The study describes perceptions of an advanced practice nurse service, not measured clinical outcomes. The service depended heavily on the advanced practice nurse, and care quality appeared to fall during her absences. Findings come from a Swiss university hospital and may not transfer to other settings.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read these themes as proof that an advanced practice nurse improves clinical outcomes. The study used a small purposive sample from the service, and participants with positive experiences may have been more likely to take part.