Purpose

The study aim was to describe nurse anaesthetists’ reflections on provision of perioperative care to patients with previous substance dependence.

Design

A qualitative approach with a descriptive design.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews based on clinical vignettes were conducted with ten nurse anaesthetists.

Findings

The perioperative care provided to patients with previous substance dependence was perceived as balancing between professionalism and preconceptions for this specific patient group. The nurse anaesthetists felt that anesthetizing this group of patients constituted an anaesthesiological challenge with regard to knowledge, experience and time. However, the nurses also had feelings of distrust and uncertainty due to lack of knowledge.

Conclusion

The nurse anaesthetists strove to uphold the principle that patients who are/have been substance dependent have the same right to adequate treatment and care as all patients. If guidelines were developed for this patient group, care could be made safer and nurses’ sense of uncertainty minimized.