Substance misuse amongst anaesthetists in the United Kingdom and Ireland -The results of a study commissioned by the Association of Anaesthetists ofGreat Britain and Ireland
Cb. Berry et al., Substance misuse amongst anaesthetists in the United Kingdom and Ireland -The results of a study commissioned by the Association of Anaesthetists ofGreat Britain and Ireland, ANAESTHESIA, 55(10), 2000, pp. 946-952
Citations number
23
Categorie Soggetti
Aneshtesia & Intensive Care","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
Three hundred and four departments of anaesthesia in UK and Ireland were se
nt questionnaires about alcohol and drug abuse in anaesthetists over the pr
eceding 10-year period. Information was sought on the nature and extent of
substance problems, their presentation and management. The survey achieved
a high response rate of 71.7% and a total of 130 cases were reported, of wh
om 34.6% were consultants and 43.2% were trainees. Over 50% of respondents
felt a lack of confidence in dealing with alcohol or drug misuse amongst co
lleagues. The results of this survey demonstrate that over one anaesthetist
per month has presented with significant alcohol or drug misuse in the UK
and Ireland over the last 10 veers. It is important that those with managem
ent responsibilities for departments of anaesthesia are aware that such pro
blems exist and are likely to impact on the professional ability and health
of the affected individual. The Working Party on Substance Abuse at the As
sociation of Anaesthetists has recently published guidance in the managemen
t of these problems. A case is made for increasing awareness in this sensit
ive subject to enable early recognition and treatment of an anaesthetist wh
o is misusing alcohol and drugs since intervention can be effective.