Exploring the Baseline Knowledge and Experience of Healthcare Professionals in the United Kingdom on Novel Psychoactive Substances

Brain Sciences

Anna-Marie Felice¹  Hadar Zaman²  Stephanie Bancroft³  Gill Hawksworth⁴  Rosalind Gittins⁵  Amira Guirguis⁶  Nigel Smeeton⁶  Camille Ramos⁶  Fabrizio Schifano⁶  JohnMartin Corkery⁷ 

[1] Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Horton Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK;;Bradford School of Pharmacy &CGL, St Martins House, 14 The Common, Hatfield AL10 0UR, UK;Humankind, Inspiration House, Unit 22 Bowburn North Industrial Estate, Durham DH6 5PF, UK;London North West Local Pharmacy Forum (LNWLPF) of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3EP, UK;Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK;Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 66-68 E Smithfield, Whitechapel, London E1W 1AW, UK;

关键词: novel psychoactive substances;    nps;    healthcare professionals;    drug education;    substance misuse;    harm reduction;   

DOI  :  10.3390/brainsci10030142

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Objective: This survey aimed to explore knowledge and experience on novel psychoactive substances (NPS) of healthcare professionals (HCPs). The study also aimed to assess how HCPs would like to improve their knowledge of NPS. Methods: Seventy paper questionnaires were disseminated in 2017 within continuing education events to pharmacists, nurses and general practitioners (GPs). Additionally, 127 online surveys were completed using the Qualtrics platform by other HCPs and mental health nurses in six United Kingdom (UK) independent mental health hospitals long-stay in-patient rehabilitation services. Two educational sessions involving pharmacists and GPs were also held in late 2017 and mid-2018. Knowledge of NPS by HCPs was evaluated prior to the start of the educational events. Evaluation forms were handed out post-sessions to garner feedback, especially on areas for improvement for future sessions. Statistical analysis of data was undertaken using SPSS (V.25). Results: Most HCPs reported only ‘basic’ to ‘intermediate’ NPS knowledge. Substance misuse service staff felt more informed, were more often consulted and had greater confidence regarding NPS compared to hospital and primary care professionals. A negative association was found between the age of the HCP and knowledge of NPS. Most participants expressed a need for regular training and updates as insufficient NPS-related information is currently received. Conclusions: An improvement within the self-reported knowledge of HCPs on NPS is evident in comparison to previous studies. Continued education of HCPs on NPS is fundamental for the provision of improved harm reduction services, which can enhance overall care for NPS service users.

【 授权许可】

Unknown