Authors

  1. Fiore-Lopez, Nicolette PhD
  2. Shea-Lewis, Anne MBA, BSN

Abstract

Local efforts to provide treatment for individuals with substance use disorder have had some success in addressing the continued nationwide drug epidemic. A nurse-led withdrawal and stabilization program was developed that includes an interdisciplinary team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, and substance abuse counselors. Utilizing a shared vision of optimal patient care, we describe how principles of high reliability were incorporated to build a successful program within a community hospital setting from the design of the unit, development of treatment protocols, staffing, and ongoing program refinement that is based on patient and program staff feedback to final thoughts for future program changes.