NCJ Number
143771
Journal
International Journal of Drug Policy Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 49-54
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Properly trained general practitioners (GP's) represent a vital component of primary care and treatment facilities available to drug users, and a course developed in the United Kingdom to train GP's is described.
Abstract
Some GP's are reluctant to see and treat drug users, preferring instead to refer them to specialist clinics, and GP's who do see and treat drug users frequently set goals that are difficult to achieve. A course was developed in the United Kingdom to train 12 to 20 GP's in the management of problem drug users. The first course lasted 5 days and was attended by 14 GP's. During the opening session, participants identified the following key issues they felt should be addressed: verbal and physical aggression by drug users toward reception and medical staff, fear of deception and manipulation, time required by drug-using patients, fear of attracting drug users to the medical practice, conflict between practice partners over seeing drug users, the need to develop practice protocols for drug treatment, and payment for seeing drug users. An evaluation of the course indicated that many concerns about drug use management and treatment had been addressed. Many GP's determined that the harm reduction model of intervention is similar to interventions offered to patients presenting with chronic conditions such as asthma and arthritis, where the aims are to reduce discomfort and to improve the patient's quality of life. GP's also acknowledged the relevance of these aims to drug use management. The course offered a cost-effective approach to GP training in the provision of health care to drug users. 7 references and 1 table