Experience, knowledge and attitudes of mental health staff regarding patients' problematic drug and alcohol use

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the experience, knowledge an d attitudes of mental health staff regarding patients' problematic drug and alcohol use in order to provide direction for planned drug and alcohol edu cation. Method: A 47-item questionnaire was developed and individually posted to al l mental health staff employed by Central Sydney Area Health Service (n = 5 36). Results: Three hundred and thirty-eight (63%) staff members completed the q uestionnaire. Thirty-six percent of respondents had received drug and alcoh ol training and 41% had drug and alcohol work experience. Drug and alcohol training and work experience were associated with increased drug and alcoho l knowledge. Respondents' perception of their knowledge and competence was positively correlated with their actual knowledge. Most staff reported havi ng regular contact with patients with psychotic illnesses and drug and alco hol problems. The majority considered the management of this patient group difficult and currently inadequate. Seventy percent believed that as mental health professionals they had a role to play in the management of their pa tients' drug and alcohol problems. Almost all (95%) were willing to partici pate in further education and training in this area. Conclusions: Mental health staff are often confronted with drug and alcohol problems in patients with psychotic illnesses. They perceive a need for dr ug and alcohol education and training specific to the management of these p atients. Future research will need to evaluate outcomes of education and tr aining programs for both staff and patients.