Journal article
Improving Options and Access for People With a Substance Use Disorder: A Service Evaluation of a Novel Nurse Practitioner-Led Ambulatory Model of Care for Withdrawal Management
Drug and Alcohol Review, Vol.44(7), pp.1920-1931
2025
PMID: 41084324
Abstract
Introduction
People with substance use disorder (SUD) often find inpatient clinical settings impractical due to personal preferences or obligations. Ambulatory programs provide crucial engagement opportunities. This study examined the effectiveness and acceptability of a Nurse Practitioner-led Community Withdrawal Programme (NPCWP) for individuals with SUD.
Methods
An observational, non-randomised before-and-after study evaluated NPCWP participation on substance use, quality of life, psychological and physical outcomes, and service experience. Summary statistics described demographic characteristics and results from the Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile and Your Experience of Service survey. Comparative analyses of Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile data assessed changes in substance use and health status from NPCWP commencement to discharge.
Results
Forty participants commenced the program; two were excluded from the final analysis due to incomplete data at discharge. Most participants used alcohol (37/38, 97.4%), with 14 (39.5%) reporting cessation of alcohol use by discharge. Significant reductions in median (IQR) days of alcohol [28(26–28) to 3(0–6); p < 0.001], cannabis [28(16–28) to 3(0–10); p = 0.002] and tobacco use [28(28–28) to 28(10–28); p = 0.012] were observed between NPCWP commencement and discharge. Median scores (IQR) for quality of life [6(4–7) vs. 8(6–9); p < 0.001], psychological health [4(3–6) vs. 7(6–8); p < 0.001] and physical health [4(3–5) vs. 7(6–8); p < 0.001] between treatment commencement and discharge also significantly improved. Most participants reported a positive NPCWP experience.
Discussion and Conclusions
The NPCWP offered clear treatment guidelines, with interventions based on objective withdrawal management measures. A nurse practitioner-led ambulatory model appeared acceptable to eligible individuals, effective in improving outcomes, and safe, with no reported adverse events.
Details
- Title
- Improving Options and Access for People With a Substance Use Disorder: A Service Evaluation of a Novel Nurse Practitioner-Led Ambulatory Model of Care for Withdrawal Management
- Authors
- Carol Reid (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - ParamedicineJeanine Young - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - NursingDarren Smyth - Northern Sydney Local Health DistrictAdam Searby - Monash UniversityMary Fenech - Queensland HealthSean Hynes - Queensland HealthKatharina Merollini - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Public HealthJoshua Knowles - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Drug and Alcohol Review, Vol.44(7), pp.1920-1931
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1111/dar.70050
- ISSN
- 1465-3362
- PMID
- 41084324
- Copyright note
- This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: C. Reid, J. Young, D. Smyth, et al., “Improving Options and Access for People With a Substance Use Disorder: A Service Evaluation of a Novel Nurse Practitioner-Led Ambulatory Model of Care for Withdrawal Management,” Drug and Alcohol Review (2025): 1–12, https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70050, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70050. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.
- Data Availability
- The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.
- Grant note
- This work was supported by Queensland Injectors’ Health Network.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991172044402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Substance Abuse
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