Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
Spring 2025
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders (SUD) affect over 20 million individuals in the U.S., leading to high hospital readmission rates and barriers to outpatient recovery. Integrating peer support into discharge planning improves outcomes, yet inpatient discharge processes often lack standardized peer support resources.
LOCAL PROBLEM: This quality improvement project took place in a 14-bed adult medicine unit at a large academic medical center, where SUD patients were discharged without consistent peer support resources. The goal was to implement the P.E.E.R. (Peer Support Empowerment Encouragement Recovery) Card as a standardized discharge tool, aiming to distribute it to at least 70% of eligible patients over three months.
METHODS: The Evidence-Based Practice Improvement (EBPI) Model guided implementation. The intervention included P.E.E.R. Card distribution, nursing education, and integration into discharge procedures. The card featured a QR code linking patients to virtual recovery meetings including Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, among other options and peer support. Data collection focused on distribution rates, intent to use, and 30-day readmissions.
INTERVENTIONS: Nurses received training and distributed the P.E.E.R. Card upon admission. Three PDSA cycles refined implementation by streamlining a charge nurse table, adjusting surveys and protocol, including night shift nurses, and modifying the P.E.E.R. Card.
RESULTS: Over three months, 36 patients met inclusion criteria. The P.E.E.R. Card was offered to 97.1% (n=34), exceeding the 70% aim, and accepted by 71.4% (n=25). While 11.1% (n=4) used it during hospitalization, 36.1% (n=13) intended to use it post-discharge. Nurses reported high satisfaction with the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS: The P.E.E.R. Card improved discharge education and resource access for SUD patients. Integrating peer support into discharge protocols enhances patient engagement and may reduce readmissions. To ensure sustainability, efforts should focus on long-term support, standardization, and expansion to other units and outpatient settings.
Recommended Citation
Barton, Foy and Mills, Jeremy, "The Peer Support. Empowerment. Encouragement. Recovery. (P.E.E.R.) Card: Integrating Peer Support Programs into Discharge Resources and Education for Patients with Substance Use Disorders." (2025). Graduate Publications and Other Selected Works - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
https://trace.tennessee.edu/dnp/145
Included in
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons, Quality Improvement Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
