Substance Misuse
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09082
Max group:
12
Understand substance misuse in healthcare settings and learn to support affected individuals
Course Summary
Substance Misuse
The Substance Misuse in a Healthcare Setting course is designed to help healthcare professionals understand the complexities of substance misuse in both patients and healthcare staff. With substance misuse being a significant concern in healthcare environments, it is crucial for staff to be able to identify early signs of misuse, provide appropriate support, and create a safe and effective care environment. This course covers the identification of substance misuse, the impact on patient care, legal and ethical considerations, treatment options, and prevention strategies within healthcare settings. Key Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand Substance Misuse and Addiction Define substance misuse and addiction, including common substances misused in healthcare settings. Recognize the differences between substance misuse, dependence, and addiction. Understand the neurobiological basis of addiction and its impact on behavior and decision-making. Identify Signs and Symptoms of Substance Misuse Recognize the physical, psychological, and behavioral signs of substance misuse in both patients and healthcare staff. Learn common screening tools for substance misuse, such as CAGE and AUDIT. Understand how substance misuse can impact clinical decision-making and patient care. Understand the Legal and Ethical Considerations Learn about the legal responsibilities of healthcare professionals in identifying and reporting substance misuse. Discuss confidentiality, patient rights, and ethical issues when dealing with substance misuse cases. Understand the implications of substance misuse on professional conduct and licensure. Understand the Impact of Substance Misuse on Patient Care Recognize how substance misuse can compromise patient safety and the quality of care. Explore the effects of misuse on healthcare staff performance and patient outcomes. Learn strategies for managing patient care when substance misuse is suspected. Support Patients Affected by Substance Misuse Learn how to provide support and resources for patients struggling with substance misuse. Understand treatment approaches, including therapy, medication, and rehabilitation programs. Learn the role of healthcare professionals in supporting patients through recovery and relapse prevention. Address Substance Misuse Among Healthcare Professionals Recognize the signs of substance misuse among colleagues and understand how to approach them with empathy. Understand the impact of substance misuse on healthcare staff performance, safety, and well-being. Learn about resources for staff members, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and rehabilitation services. Prevention and Intervention Strategies Learn effective strategies for preventing substance misuse in healthcare settings. Understand the role of workplace policies in reducing misuse and promoting a healthy work environment. Implement strategies for early intervention, such as regular screening and education programs. Create a Supportive and Safe Healthcare Environment Explore ways to foster a workplace culture that supports health, well-being, and substance misuse awareness. Develop guidelines for responding to substance misuse issues among both staff and patients. Create a plan for reducing the risk of substance misuse and supporting individuals in recovery.
Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction to Substance Misuse in Healthcare
Definition of substance misuse: alcohol, prescription meds, illicit drugs
Scope and impact of substance misuse in healthcare settings
Relationship between substance misuse and healthcare providers (patients and staff)
Impact on patient care and outcomes
Module 2: Understanding Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
Overview of substance use disorders (SUD): causes, risk factors, triggers
Neurobiological effects of substances on the brain
Difference between use, misuse, and addiction
Commonly misused substances in healthcare:
Prescription meds: opioids, benzodiazepines, controlled substances
Illicit drugs: cannabis, cocaine, others
Alcohol and nicotine use among healthcare professionals and patients
Module 3: Identifying Substance Misuse in Healthcare Settings
Physical signs: intoxication, withdrawal symptoms (drowsiness, slurred speech, tremors)
Behavioral/psychological signs: mood changes, erratic behavior, isolation
Recognizing misuse in patients and staff
Screening and assessment tools: CAGE, AUDIT, DAST, brief interventions
Ethical considerations in screening
Module 4: Legal and Ethical Considerations in Healthcare Settings
Legal responsibilities of healthcare professionals regarding substance misuse
Reporting requirements for suspected misuse
Impact on licensing and professional conduct
Balancing confidentiality with intervention needs
Handling misuse among colleagues with sensitivity and ethics
Module 5: The Impact of Substance Misuse on Patient Care
How misuse impairs clinical decisions and patient safety
Risks for healthcare providers: errors, safety, performance issues
Creating a safe environment for patients and staff
Substance misuse in vulnerable populations (elderly, children, mental health)
Addressing co-occurring mental health and substance misuse disorders
Module 6: Addressing Substance Misuse Among Healthcare Staff
Recognizing signs in colleagues: absenteeism, mood swings, performance decline
Approaching colleagues with empathy and professionalism
Supporting staff with substance use disorders: intervention, referral, support
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), rehab resources
Fostering a supportive, non-judgmental workplace environment
Module 7: Treatment and Management of Substance Misuse
Treatment options: detox, inpatient/outpatient rehab, therapy, medications
Role of healthcare professionals in supporting recovery
Common medications: methadone, naloxone, buprenorphine, etc.
Effective communication with patients in recovery
Motivational interviewing and brief interventions
Helping patients avoid relapse
Module 8: Prevention Strategies in Healthcare Settings
Creating prevention programs: education, policies, training
Preventing over-prescribing and drug abuse
Drug diversion prevention methods
Creating a culture of safety and support
Training staff to recognize and intervene
Leadership’s role in promoting a substance-free workplace
Module 9: Self-Care and Support for Healthcare Providers
Link between stress, burnout, and substance misuse
Healthy coping strategies: mindfulness, time management, seeking support
Maintaining personal well-being in high-pressure environments
Encouraging help-seeking and resilience-building
Building workplace and external support networks
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;