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The impact of nurse' attitudes in the quality of care for drug-dependents

Abstract:

Thanks to their knowledge, the nature of their profession and close ties with family, nurses are well-placed to care for drug addicts. The aim of this study is to analyze how nurses ́ attitudes, perceptions and knowledge influence the quality of care of drug addicts. The outcomes of the review highlight several aspects such as individual beliefs, age, gender, ethnicity and religion influence professional attitudes towards drug addicts, professional attitudes depend on the different roles, socialization and type and nature of contact with these patients, the institution where professionals work affects care, health professionals ́ lack of training in substance abuse and the need for the strong presence of this kind of training in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and nurses ́ historically greater role in caring for drug addicts, compared with other groups of health professionals, and the fact that they are the key workers in drug-dependence. Therefore, we consider further research proposals in this area necessary because evidence providing solutions is lacking. © 2013 Fundación Index.