Substance Use Treatment Providers' Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators for Treatment, Recovery, and Returning to Work for Healthcare Professionals With Nonmedical Substance Use

BackgroundSubstance use among healthcare professionals is not uncommon. The challenges of seeking treatment, maintaining employment, and being in recovery are compounded by the demanding profession.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive study used interviews with substance use treatment providers in Colorado. Data were collected on providers' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to treatment, recovery, and returning to work for nurses and physicians. Inductive content analysis was utilized to identify themes across interviews.ResultsFear is a barrier that delays treatment initiation. Healthcare professionals with substance use fear losing their job or license, or being judged by colleagues. There is a lack of awareness about available treatment options for health professionals with nonmedical substance use. Nurses and physicians often wrestle with their desire to be in control of situations while struggling with substance use.Additional systems-level barriers exist surrounding substance use treatment for healthcare professionals. These include inadequate insurance coverage for treatment, lack of confidentiality for healthcare professionals in treatment, lack of qualified treatment providers, and variability in how physician and nurse substance use and return to work are managed. Few facilitators are present to combat these challenges and facilitate success. Extensive monitoring during treatment and recovery was identified as a key facilitator, in addition to having supportive employers and colleagues.ResultsFear is a barrier that delays treatment initiation. Healthcare professionals with substance use fear losing their job or license, or being judged by colleagues. There is a lack of awareness about available treatment options for health professionals with nonmedical substance use. Nurses and physicians often wrestle with their desire to be in control of situations while struggling with substance use.Additional systems-level barriers exist surrounding substance use treatment for healthcare professionals. These include inadequate insurance coverage for treatment, lack of confidentiality for healthcare professionals in treatment, lack of qualified treatment providers, and variability in how physician and nurse substance use and return to work are managed. Few facilitators are present to combat these challenges and facilitate success. Extensive monitoring during treatment and recovery was identified as a key facilitator, in addition to having supportive employers and colleagues.ConclusionsThe results of this study can be used to inform professional licensing boards, substance use treatment programs, healthcare employers, and policy makers to address barriers to treatment and to facilitate healthcare professionals returning to work after substance use treatment.