Controlled Substance Agreements:The Patient's Perspective Explored Through the Theory of Human Caring
Graduation Date
1-2008
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Nursing
Department or Program Chair
Barbara Ganley, PhD
Thesis Advisor
Barbara Ganley, PhD, RN, HNC
Abstract
Introduction: Controlled substance agreements are widely used by healthcare providers who prescribe opioid medications. Little empirical research supports their effectiveness in increasing patient adherence, education, or legal protection for providers.
Research Question: How do patients receiving long-term opioid treatment characterize the controlled substance agreement process?
Method: This quantitative, non-probability study studied patients with chronic pain receiving long-term opioid treatment in private medical practices. Watson's Theory of Human Caring provided the framework to explore patients' perceptions with a modified version of the Caring Behaviors Inventory.
Results: The majority of respondents viewed the American Academy of Pain Medicine's sample Controlled Substance Agreements as a caring health care activity by providers. Patients with higher educational levels had lower total care scores on the modified Caring Behaviors Instrument. The controlled substance agreement studied ranked highest in being honest with patients and demonstrating professional knowledge to the study patients but lowest in expressing hopefulness.
Conclusion: The Theory of Human Caring by Watson provided a useful theoretical framework to actualize and quantify patient-centered care. Research patients receiving long-term opioids for chronic, non-malignant pain perceived the American Academy of Pain Medicine's controlled substance agreement as a caring healthcare document.