Madeline Naegle

Abstract

This paper describes the development, implementation and assessment of an innovative approach to the dissemination of evidence- based research to clinical supervision through the use of Webbased technology. The Substance Abuse Treatment On-line Library: Focus on Clinical Supervision, known as the SATOL Project, was developed by an interdisciplinary faculty group at New York University. The findings of this study document the positive impact of SATOL in helping supervisors feel more capable of mentoring and supporting their staff, in better assessing and evaluating the quality of services provided by their supervisees, and in applying empirical evidence to their daily clinical supervision practice. Limitations of the project include the short time-frame and small sample size. This model is applicable to Web-based transmission of evidence-based knowledge of other content areas.

Abstract

With expanded technologic and communication resources there is growing awareness worldwide of the public health problems caused by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, misuse, abuse and addiction. Trends vary by culture and region but use of tobacco and alcohol is almost universal and is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. While nurses have not universally embraced the prevention and treatment of substance-related disorders as their province, this is changing as a function of organisations, World Health Organization (WHO) and national initiatives, and the strengthening of nurse education. Actions to promote consensus, identify and review competencies for nurses must consider national and cultural variations, traditions of social change and the need for evidence-based practice. Collective action by nurses in newly formed and existing organisations, which focus on addictions prevention and treatment, have resulted in initial professional steps. Such progress can be facilitated if achieved in the context of larger international policies and initiatives and in collaboration with members of other professional disciplines.