Learning Center
Compassionate Care of the Patient with a History of Substance Use
Recorded On: 06/05/2022
It is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in the United States have an opioid addiction. As the availability of prescription opioids decreases each year, there has been a rise in the use of heroin and other illicit injectable drugs. When these patients present with cellulitis, endocarditis, and other illnesses which require a vascular access device and intravenous therapy, it becomes a costly challenge for our hospitals. This session will address what hospitals are doing to provide effective, efficient, and compassionate care to these patients.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:
- Quantify the substance use problem in the United States
- Discuss the resources needed to care for the patient with a substance use history as an inpatient
- Identify cost-effective strategies to protect the patient, the nurse, and the facility when caring for a patient with a history of substance use
Chris Cavanaugh
Chris Cavanaugh, MSN, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC, has been an RN for more than 25 years and has worked in many health care settings, always with a focus on vascular access and infusion therapy. She has been involved with both the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) and Infusion Nurses Society (INS) since 1995 and has served as a board member, committee chair, committee member, and speaker for both organizations. Ms Cavanaugh was a co-author for the AVA CPG Guidelines and a chapter in the latest Vessel Health and Preservation book. Her master's degree capstone project investigated the disparities and stresses on the health care system caused by patients with a history of substance use. Ms Cavanaugh interviewed and collected data from 100 hospitals across the United States and has been an advocate for treatment with dignity ever since.
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