The Biopsychosociospiritual Model in Problematic Substance Use Treatment: A critique of published work to date supporting its application in practice, and examination of the evidence-based practice role in changing the treatment approach

Shanmugam, Prem Kumar (2020) The Biopsychosociospiritual Model in Problematic Substance Use Treatment: A critique of published work to date supporting its application in practice, and examination of the evidence-based practice role in changing the treatment approach. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University for the degree of Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) by Publication Work.

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Abstract

This body of work demonstrates a contribution to practice evidence that aims to reach practitioners and frontline services in support of the delivery of evidence-based practice. It represents the process of the exchange of evidence between innovative service delivery and dissemination of evidence to practitioners for improving treatment. Therefore, it serves as the linkage between theory, practice, practice innovation and implementation, aiming for dissemination to a practitioner readership and public understanding in SE Asia and Oceania. Substance dependence treatment in Malaysia currently adopts Western biomedical sciences, but often using evidence not culturally sensitive to non-Western settings. Therefore, the development of an integrated treatment programme in Malaysia using the biopsychosociospiritual model required development and evaluation, and delivery in formats applicable to the cultural needs of this global region. This body of work illustrates the process of appraising existing evidence for practice, applying and adapting treatment practice, and developing and evaluating culturally sensitive innovative tools and approaches applicable to low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Its contribution to knowledge is demonstrating the adaptation of practice evidence from Western culture to LMICs, and filling a gap in evidence for how psychosociospiritual approaches to treatment in substance use can be adapted to cultures where family connections and spirituality may be more significant than in many Western settings.