Date Presented 03/26/20
This qualitative research study sought to understand the knowledge of school personnel concerning adolescent drug use and the role of OT in school-based drug prevention. Understanding of the role of OT was gathered, and facilitators of and barriers to school-based prevention were identified. Results of this study can be used to increase knowledge of OT among school personnel and articulate OT’s distinct value in school systems, particularly regarding drug-prevention programs.
Primary Author and Speaker: Laura Aust
PURPOSE: While occupational therapists continue advocating for inclusion in the treatment of drug addiction, a glaring gap in the literature remains the role of OT in drug prevention, particularly in school systems. This study aimed to understand the knowledge of school personnel regarding the current opioid crisis, school-based prevention, and the role of occupational therapy in school-based drug prevention programs.
METHODS: Convenience and snowball sampling were used to identify twelve participants for this study. Qualitative semi-structured interviews of teachers and occupational therapists from six school districts in a large metropolitan city were conducted to gather knowledge of the current opioid crisis, school-based drug prevention programs, and occupational therapy’s role in prevention programming. Participants were invited to interview if they were currently licensed in their respective profession and currently working in a school system. The research team transcribed all interviews and inductive content analysis was used to identify five major themes from the data.
RESULTS: Five major themes emerged from this study: (1) An absence of consistent drug prevention programs in school systems; (2) Lack of knowledge on the current opioid crisis and legislation; (3) Lack of training opportunities available for school personnel on drug use and prevention; (4) Lack of knowledge of occupational therapy; and (5) Barriers to implementation of school-based prevention. None of the twelve participants identified a drug prevention program currently in place in their school system. Additionally, none of the twelve participants were aware of any professional training opportunities in their districts related to drug prevention or the opioid crisis. As hypothesized, the teachers interviewed in this study possessed a surface-level understanding of OT, but many noted their knowledge was limited. Occupational therapists agreed that OTs could play a role in school-based prevention, but were unaware of how to articulate OT’s role in drug prevention. All interviewees identified barriers, such as time, support, and funding, that could reduce the feasibility of school-based prevention programs.
CONCLUSION: While the nation is grappling with the current opioid epidemic, it is imperative for occupational therapists to understand how to not only treat addiction after manifestation, but also how to prevent addiction from occurring in the first place. While many barriers exist to implementation of school-based prevention programs, school personnel must understand the importance of reducing the susceptibility of addiction in adolescents. Occupational therapists are equipped to take part in the prevention of drug use among students. Occupational therapists must be willing to educate school staff on their distinct role in schools, and advocate for roles in the dissemination of drug prevention programs. Schools must be willing to train staff on the warning signs of drug use and addiction, and staff members and administrators must advocate for school-wide drug prevention in this country.
IMPACT STATEMENT: The current opioid crisis requires qualified professionals to work together to provide prevention and treatment to affected individuals. Occupational therapists have a powerful role to play, but must be willing to educate and advocate on behalf of the profession. This study provides practitioners with an understanding of the perceptions of OT from school personnel, as well as information and research to assist in advocating for a greater role in school-based prevention.
References
Costa, D. (2016). Occupational therapy’s role in countering opioid addiction. Retrieved from: https://www.aota.org/Publications-News/otp/Archive/2017/01-23-17-centennial-100-years/opioid-addiction.aspx
Pinkelman, S.E., McIntosh, K., Rasplica, C.K., Berg, T., & Strickland-Cohen, M.K. (2015). Perceived enablers and barriers related to sustainability of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports. Behavioral Disorders, 40(3), 171-183. doi: 10.17988/0198-7429-40.3.171
Feinstein, E.C., Richter, L, & Foster, S.E. (2012). Addressing the critical health problem of adolescent substance use through health care, research, and public policy. Journal of Adolescent Health, 50, 431-436. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.12.033
