SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Perspectives and Recommendations From Hospitalized Patients With Substance Use Disorders

Pdf Summary

This qualitative study explored hospitalized patients’ perspectives on inpatient care for substance use disorders (SUDs). Fifteen adults with SUDs admitted to medical or surgical floors at an urban academic hospital were recruited through convenience sampling and interviewed at the bedside using semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Conversations were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically until saturation.<br /><br />Patients described both positive and negative aspects of care. Helpful care was characterized by emotional proficiency, clinical competence, and compassionate, nonjudgmental interactions. Harmful care was associated with stigma, bias, clinical inadequacy, and inhumane treatment. Participants emphasized that the way they were treated affected their emotional wellbeing, trust in clinicians, and perceptions of care quality, with consequences for health outcomes.<br /><br />Across interviews, patients repeatedly called for three improvements: better education about SUDs, initiation of treatment and support for continued recovery, and stronger partnerships grounded in compassion. Representative quotes highlighted how clinician belief, encouragement, and respectful communication could foster hope and engagement, whereas shaming or dismissive attitudes intensified distress.<br /><br />The study concludes that hospitalized patients with SUDs want care that is compassionate and collaborative. Addressing stigma and strengthening clinician skills may improve emotional wellbeing, trust, and recovery-related outcomes. The authors suggest that patient recommendations should be further studied and used to help transform hospitalization into an opportunity for engagement and recovery.<br /><br />Limitations include single-site convenience sampling, possible courtesy bias, and participation only by English-speaking patients, which may limit generalizability.

Asset Subtitle

Evan Balmuth

Meta Tag

Author List David Scales, Evan Balmuth, Jonathan Avery, Sonali Iyer

Category Research

Concept Substance Use Disorder

Concept Inpatient Care

Concept Inhumane Treatment

Concept Trust

Concept Care Quality

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Weill Cornell Medical College

Presenting Author Evan Balmuth

Track Other

Keywords

substance use disorders

hospitalized patients

inpatient care

qualitative study

stigma

compassionate care

clinical competence

nonjudgmental interactions

recovery support

patient perspectives

Substance Use Disorder

Inpatient Care

Inhumane Treatment

Trust

Care Quality