FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

Institute of Arts and Sciences – Undergraduate Studies

PSY 1205 | Field Methods in Psychology

REFLECTION PAPER
Title:
“Screening for Substance Use in Rural Primary Care: a Qualitative Study of Providers and Patients”

Submitted by:
Yacas, Morish Roi F.

Submitted to:
Mr. Richardson Orines – Lecturer

A. SUMMARY

Screening for Substance Use in Rural Primary Care is a qualitative study of healthcare professionals and
potential patients with the goal of shedding light on this critical issue that requires attention and action.
and provide suggestions on how to guide and improve primary healthcare services in rural areas.

The study reinforces the need of providing patients with a secure and nonjudgmental atmosphere in
which they can address their drug usage with clinicians. The study demonstrates the need for expertise
and support to address drug use in rural healthcare settings through the use of in-depth interviews with
clinicians and patients. The findings emphasize the need for routine drug use screening, as well as the
need for further investigation in order to better comprehend the seriousness of substance use in rural
regions and the hurdles to resolving it in healthcare settings.

Ultimately, the study sheds light on the significance of drug use screening in rural primary care. It is a call
to action for healthcare professionals, governing bodies, and healthcare organizations to give
precedence and allocate resources to drug use screening and treatment in rural regions. By doing so, we
may enhance the quality of services and results for those battling with substance use, as well as make
strides heading towards a healthier and more egalitarian society.

B. ANALYSIS

The qualitative research project on Substance Use Screening in Rural Primary Care comprises both
weaknesses and strengths that should be addressed.

Still, the study sheds light on the significance of drug use screening in rural primary care. The study
allowed researchers to investigate their experiences and opinions on this essential problem through the
use of in-depth interviews with both healthcare professionals and patients. Furthermore, the findings
point out the importance of clinicians providing a comfortable and nonjudgmental atmosphere to allow
individuals to openly talk about their substance use. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need of
providing practitioners with proper knowledge and assistance when dealing with drug use in rural
healthcare settings.

Conversely, the study includes limitations that must be discussed. For one thing, the number of
respondents was small in size, and the study was confined to one location, which may not be indicative
of other rural healthcare settings. Furthermore, the study centered around self-reported data, which

1 | Original Format Version – R. Orines

 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
Institute of Arts and Sciences – Undergraduate Studies
PSY 1205 | Field Methods in Psychology

could have been biased or inaccurate. The study did not offer a quantitative analysis of drug use
prevalence or severity in the sample population. Furthermore, the study failed to explore potential
hurdles or problems to conducting routine drug use screening in rural healthcare settings.

In its totality, while the study provides insightful information into the relevance of substance use
screening in rural healthcare settings, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations and the dire need for
more investigation to further explore the prevalent level of drugs consumption in rural regions and the
issues associated with concentrating on it in the context of primary care.

C. KEY TAKEAWAYS

The in-depth qualitative investigation of Substance Use Screening in Rural Primary Care provides
numerous crucial lessons for both healthcare practitioners and patients. To begin, routine drug use
screening is critical for identifying dependency on drugs promptly and throughout the process to
improve overall health for individuals. Healthcare professionals must establish a secure and impartial
atmosphere in which patients can reveal their drug use, assuring that patients feel at ease and
supported during the screening process.

The research also emphasizes the necessity of training as well as assistance for healthcare practitioners
in rural healthcare settings to address drug use. To successfully help patients with drug use issues,
practitioners must have proper expertise and services. The findings highlight the need for further
funding for substance use screenings and provider training to guarantee effective treatment for patients
in places with limited access.

Furthermore, the study highlights the need for more inquiries on the incidence of drug use in rural
regions as well as the hurdles in treating it in the context of primary care. Because of the small number
of respondents and dependence on data provided by participants, the study's generalizability is
constrained, and future studies should focus on establishing effective treatments along with funding to
address drug use in rural healthcare systems. It is critical to treat drug use in rural communities since
patients in these places may encounter specific barriers to care and resources.

Following that, the study emphasizes the necessity of routine drug use screening, the necessity for a
secure and impartial atmosphere in which patients can reveal their drug use, and the value of assistance
and training for healthcare personnel. Future study is required to gain insight into the frequency of drug
use in rural regions as well as the hurdles to treating it, allowing for the creation of effective therapies
and resources to assist patients with drug-related issues.

D. APPLICATION

The discoveries from the research study on Screening for Substance Use in Rural Primary Care can be
implemented to enhance the provision of healthcare services in rural regions in the Philippines.
Substance abuse is a major public health concern in the Philippines, and rural populations are subject to
particular difficulties with access to healthcare and services. As a result, identifying effective approaches
for tackling drug use in rural healthcare settings is critical.

2 | Original Format Version – R. Orines

 FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
Institute of Arts and Sciences – Undergraduate Studies
PSY 1205 | Field Methods in Psychology

One of the study's noteworthy findings for me was the significance of frequent drug use screening. In
the Philippines, this approach can be applied by including drug use screening in normal general care
consultations. Healthcare personnel can be taught and given resources for effectively aiding patients
with drug use issues. Furthermore, it is critical to create a rapport of trust with patients by providing a
secure and impartial atmosphere for them to reveal their substance use. This strategy may be applied by
emphasizing patient-centered treatment and a non-stigmatizing attitude toward substance use.

Furthermore, the study affirms the importance of further inquiry in order to recognize the prevalent
nature of drug use in rural regions as well as the hurdles to resolving it in the context of primary care.
This knowledge may be utilized to create effective programs and tools to help patients struggling with
drug use. It also emphasizes the significance of investing in healthcare professional training and support,
which may be accomplished through capacity-building projects.

REFERENCE/S:

Saunders, E., Moore, S. J., Gardner, T., Farkas, S., Marsch, L. A., McLeman, B., Meier, A.,

Nesin, N., Rotrosen, J., Walsh, O. A., & McNeely, J. (2019). Screening for Substance

Use in Rural Primary Care: a Qualitative Study of Providers and Patients. Journal of

General Internal Medicine, 34(12), 2824–2832. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-

05232-y

3 | Original Format Version – R. Orines