The identification and management of the drug impaired doctor.
BACKGROUND
Problem drug use occurs within the medical fraternity as it does in other parts of the population. However, doctors have traditionally been discouraged from admitting vulnerability and frequently fail to recognise or respond to early signs of problem alcohol and drug use.


OBJECTIVE
This article aims to identify sequential strategies to assist the doctor to detect and intervene early when problem drug use arises in themselves or a colleague.


CONCLUSIONS
Where treatment and monitoring is instituted early in problem drug use, outcomes are typically positive while late acknowledgment commonly results in sanctions for the impaired practitioner and greater risk to patients. Medical boards in Australia have developed supportive mechanisms for doctors to facilitate early management. Procedures are aimed at maintaining or restoring ability to work while maintaining public confidence.
Khong
Eric
E
School of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Australia.
Sim
Moira G
MG
Hulse
Gary
G
D001315:Australia; D004282:Documentation; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008007:Licensure, Medical; D010815:Physician Impairment / Q000523:psychology*; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012944:Social Support; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology