Incongruence between trauma center social workers' beliefs about substance use interventions and intentions to intervene

Soc Work Health Care. 2015;54(4):320-44. doi: 10.1080/00981389.2014.990129.

Abstract

This study explored trauma centers social workers' beliefs regarding four evidence-based interventions for patients presenting with substance abuse issues. Previous research has indicated that health care providers' beliefs have prevented them from implementing non-abstinence based interventions. Study results indicated that the majority of social workers believed in the 12-step approach and were least comfortable with the harm reduction approach. However, results showed that in some cases, social workers may have negative personal beliefs regarding non-abstinence based interventions, but do not let their personal beliefs get in the way of utilizing these interventions if they are viewed as appropriate for the client's situation.

Keywords: harm reduction; hospital social work; substance abuse.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Female
  • Harm Reduction*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pennsylvania
  • Regression Analysis
  • Social Work / methods*
  • Social Workers / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*
  • Trauma Centers
  • Young Adult