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

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.