Sirry Alang

Title: Respect and health services engagement among people with substance use disorders

Abstract

Persons with addiction and substance use disorders are likely to receive care at safety-net sites such as community health centers, free clinics, or local health departments than from a specific provider with whom they have established a relationship.  They are also likely to be treated with less respect and receive poor quality of care compared to those without substance use disorders. Little is known about perceptions of respect in safety-net settings among people  with histories of addiction and substance use, and how respect shapes experiences care and engagement with treatment services. This study answers three questions: 1) How do people with substance use disorders perceive respect within clinical setting? 2) How do perceptions of respects shape engagement with care? 3) What strategies can improve mutual respect and facilitate engagement with health services among people with substance use disorders?  The study focuses on a convenient sample of substance users in Pennsylvania, United States who significantly rely on safety-net clinics for care. The research approach involves cultural consensus analysis (CCA) and interviews. Findings highlight recognition of dignity, autonomy, personhood, and expertise of lived experiences of substance users as fundamental dimensions respect in the clinical setting.  Safety-net sites are relevant for shaping continuity of care and ensuring that substance users experience respect in these sites is imperative. Findings can inform policies to improve engagement with addiction services and positive outcomes of care. They also illuminate steps towards actions that value patients as persons, regardless of their addictions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore dimensions of respect in healthcare settings among persons with experiencing addiction.


2. Describe the relationship between respect and the use of addiction treatment services.


3. Identify strategies to improve experiences of substance users in health services and engagement with care.