Project 467224

Prince Albert Saskatchewan is a region that is experiencing high rates of substance use compared to provincial and national averages. This has led to an increase in health and social services demands. For instance, 9.2% of hospital visits and 37.5% of violent crime are associated with substance use. Early exposure to and chronic substance use causes complex co-morbidities such as poor mental health, addiction and physical illnesses that are difficult to treat. Reports persist of the stigmatizing attitudes from health care providers when clients with SUD related conditions seek acute care. Subsequently, these clients experience shame and guilt which is compounded by feeling judged or treated less than individuals without SUD. As a result, clients with SUD often discharge themselves from hospital against medical advice due to the lack of patient-centered care, inadequate pain control and lack of withdrawal management. This study aims to explore the experiences of clients receiving care for SUD related conditions in a Prince Albert Hospital to document how they experience care and stigma. This study will use a patient-centered framework and phenomenological methodology to examine the experiences of clients receiving care for SUD related conditions. Mead Bowers patient-centered framework will guide the implementation of this study to explore how clients with SUD relate with and are cared for by health care providers. Given the high prevalence of substance use in Prince Albert, clients with SUDs will persist in seeking care for diverse health care requirements. There is a necessity for patient-centered care that ensures clients feel supported and safe when accessing health care.