Management of drug misuse: an 8-year follow-up survey of Scottish GPs

Abstract

This study repeated a Scotland-wide survey of one-infour 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.

Opiate addiction and overdose: experiences, attitudes, and appetite for community naloxone provision

“…The 2014 National report to the EMCDDA (2013 data) for Ireland indicates that 337 GPs were involved in the provision of opiate substitution treatment; while the proportion of patients obtaining opiate substitution treatment in general practice has risen slightly in the preceding years (from 35% in 2009 to 40% in 2013), this total represents at best around 10-15% of all GPs in Ireland. 35 In Scotland, 44% of GPs were providing methadone in 2008, 36 while in some regions of Switzerland, GPs are known to provide most opiate substitution treatment. 37 Research from England and Wales suggests that over time an increasing number of GPs have become involved in opiate substitution treatment; however, more patients with opiate use disorder are seen for general medical care than are prescribed methadone by their GP.…”

Current practices and attitudes of family physicians toward substance use disorders in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: a cross-sectional survey in primary care

“…9,13 The local research team adapted the tool to suit the UAE culture. The final questionnaire captured data on four main areas: demographics and practice characteristics of the FPs, practice patterns of the FPs, training and attitudes towards drug dependency treatment within the general practice.…”

Primary Care - A key route for distribution of naloxone in the community

“…In Ireland, GPs have extensive contact with opioid users and their families, in particular through providing opioid agonist therapy (OAT)/ methadone to around one-third of all those in structured programmes of care (Farrell distribute naloxone and provide education supports. Although the role of the GP in the provision of addiction-related care has been demonstrated, and knowledge of it examined, GPs' interest and training needs in overdose prevention and management have yet to be established (Matheson, Porteous, van Teijlingen, & Bond, 2010). It is also unclear how doctors in specialist training for a career in GP perceive their roles and preparation in this area; the attitudes and values established during specialist training have the potential to determine career-long approaches to vulnerable patient groups.…”