The misuse of alcohol and other drugs by doctors: A UK report and one region's response

Abstract

This Commentary reviews the report from the Working Group on the Misuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs by Doctors, and considers the response of a Scottish region to it. The report confirms that alcohol and drug misuse in doctors is a threat to patients and that the problem in doctors is not being addressed satisfactorily. Support for the establishment of dedicated services is outlined. Local enquiries confirmed that the reported conclusions were universally supported, but extensive work was required to incorporate the issues into student teaching, postgraduate training, continuing professional education, and future revalidation procedures. A proposal to establish a local, confidential, anonymous, informal contact point is outlined to promote early intervention and limit the development of entrenched morbidity relating to substance misuse. The intention is to monitor the utility of that arrangement by audit.