Management of drug misuse: an 8-year follow-up survey of Scottish GPs.
This study repeated a Scotland-wide survey of one-in-four GPs from 2000, to compare findings with 2008. A 60% response was achieved (of 1065). Almost 44% of GPs were treating drug misusers (62% in 2000). Enhanced services were provided by less than half of practices. Seven per cent of responders were only comfortable prescribing below the recommended minimum dose of 60 mg methadone, (33% in 2000). Over 70% offered blood-borne virus screening and 71% were aware of patients using psychostimulants. Recent changes, particularly the new GP contract may have decreased GP involvement in treating drug misusers.
Matheson
Catriona
C
Centre of Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Foresterhill Health Centre,Westburn Road, Aberdeen, Scotland. c.i.math@abdn.ac.uk
Porteous
Terry
T
van Teijlingen
Edwin
E
Bond
Christine
C
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012606:Scotland; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D009294:Narcotics; D008691:Methadone