Date of Graduation
Spring 5-21-2025
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Department/Program
Nursing
Program
Family Nurse Practitioner
First Advisor
Dr. Ricki Norwood
Second Advisor
Dr. Victoria Chaudhary
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The opioid crisis disproportionately affects minority populations in correctional settings, where limited access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) contributes to high overdose rates and healthcare costs. At a California prison, only 48% of individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) receive MAT. Local Problem: Limited MAT access and low provider cultural competence exacerbate health disparities among minority inmates. Methods: A culturally sensitive training intervention was implemented for healthcare providers at a California prison, guided by a review of ten evidence-based studies. Pre- and post-training surveys on a 5-point Likert scale assessed provider competency, defined as "Agree" or "Strongly Agree" on all items. Interventions: Training included cultural sensitivity sessions, MAT protocol education, culturally tailored inmate outreach (peer support, MAT classes), and policy advocacy to reduce institutional barriers. Results: Provider competency improved significantly. Chi-square analysis showed a significant increase in providers meeting the competency threshold (5/23 pre-training vs. 19/23 post-training; χ² = 17.1, df = 1, p < 0.001, 95% CI). Paired t-tests revealed significant improvements in self-reported cultural competence t (22) = 6.14, p < 0.001, 95% CI). MAT enrollment increased to 50% within two months, retention reached 99.3% (n = 1,345), and overdose incidents dropped to zero in the first month. Inmate feedback indicated greater trust and engagement with providers. Conclusions: Culturally sensitive training enhanced provider competency, increased MAT retention, and reduced overdoses, underscoring the need for tailored interventions in correctional healthcare.
Keywords: Opioid Use Disorder, Medication-Assisted Treatment, Correctional Healthcare, Cultural Competence, Health Disparities, Minority Populations, California Prisons.
Recommended Citation
Seangmany, Douglas, "Improving Access and Retention of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Minority Inmates in the California State Prison System: A Quality Improvement Initiative Using a Culturally Competent Approach" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects. 375.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp/375
Comments
Please use this updated version of the final DNP project to reflect the approved title, abstract, and all included appendices. Thank you.