A group of researchers at Western University has unveiled a new tool kit for health care providers so they can better support those experiencing substance use stigma.
In partnership with the University of British Columbia, both teams of researchers recognized the barriers people who have previously struggled with, or who are currently battling with substance addiction face. Together, they launched the EQUIP Equity Action Kit with resources created to help combat substance use and improve the care they receive in the future.
Research from the study shows substance use stigma and discrimination makes it difficult for people, especially those in marginalized and Indigenous communities, to seek the care they need. Many of these individuals expect to be judged, disrespected, or denied care because they are often assumed to be faking symptoms to get drugs.
"The Action Kit encourages practitioners and organizational leaders to engage people with experiences of stigma and poor care in a way that ensures their voices are heard and prioritized," said Nadine Wathen, project co-lead and professor at Western's Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing. She added these tools also support efforts by organizations and systems to improve social and health outcomes on a large scale.
Researchers working on the study said the work now needs to be embedded into the larger strategy of an organization. The action kit includes:• E-learning modules on what equity-oriented health care means and how health care professionals can provide services in a trauma- and violence-informed, culturally safe way.
• Organizational planning tools and report cards to help organizations assess their current practices and also implement tools to address stigma and reduce racism toward Indigenous people and others who are targets of discrimination.
• Videos and tools that highlight the effects of substance use stigma and other harmful practices and how to enact strategies to address them, including how to identify barriers to care, and how to change stigmatizing language.
Among those who have started using the tools to improve care is the London Intercommunity Health Centre (LIHC).
LIHC provides inclusive and equitable health and social services to those who experience a number of barriers to care, including poverty, homelessness, mental health and substance use issues.
"Having the opportunity to contribute to the EQUIP Equity Action Kit demonstrates how equity-oriented care is an ever-evolving process," said LIHC Program Development Director Greg Nash. "Our team is hopeful that our experience working in substance use health can help others build their skillset and feel more confident in working with this marginalized population by delivering high quality, trauma and violence-informed care."