AANA February 2022 Journal Course: The Impaired Anesthesia Provider: Strategies to Prevent, Recognize, and Treat the Substance Use Disorder within the Workplace-Article

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Substance use disorder is a significant occupational hazard for anesthesia professionals, with estimates suggesting that 10%-15% of anesthesia providers will experience this disorder. The high stress levels within the workplace environment contribute to the risk of developing substance use disorder. This article aims to discuss strategies to prevent, recognize, and treat substance use disorder within the anesthesia workplace.<br /><br />Prevention strategies for substance use disorder include proactive wellness, such as self-care, coping mechanisms, and stress reduction techniques. Regular sleep, healthy eating habits, routine exercise, mindfulness meditation, and engagement in personal interests outside the field of anesthesia can all contribute to preventing substance use disorder. The importance of wellness to healthcare professionals and the inclusion of wellness education in nurse anesthesia programs are also highlighted.<br /><br />Recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder in impaired colleagues is crucial for the health of the impaired provider and the safety of patients. Impaired colleagues may display behaviors such as severe mood swings, tardiness, underperformance, and memory loss. Drug diversion may also be evident, with signs including missing medications, inappropriate drug choices and doses, and drugs improperly stored.<br /><br />Treatment for substance use disorder in anesthesia professionals can be challenging, given their direct access to controlled substances and knowledge of pharmacology. Treatment programs specifically tailored to anesthesia professionals have been recommended, with inpatient treatment followed by outpatient care offering the highest success rate. States such as Florida have implemented programs to provide support and monitoring for nurses with impairment.<br /><br />In conclusion, substance use disorder is a complex and multifactorial issue in the anesthesia workplace. Strategies to prevent, recognize, and treat substance use disorder can contribute to reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this disorder within the anesthesia profession.

Keywords

substance use disorder

occupational hazard

anesthesia professionals

stress levels

workplace environment

prevention strategies

wellness

recognizing signs and symptoms

treatment

anesthesia workplace