General Practitioners' View of Home Detoxification

• NCJ Number: 194217
• Journal: Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 395-406
• Author(s): Ann M. Roche; Kerrianne Watt; Jane Fischer
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This study examined the views of General Practitioners (GPs) regarding alcohol and drug home detoxification.

Abstract

There is growing concern about alcohol and drug related problems and increasing interest in the role that General Practitioners (GPs) can play in treatment and management. It has also been argued that GPs should become more involved in home detoxification. In spite of substantial evidence to support the clinical efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and the utility of home detoxification, it is not an activity that has been embraced by Australian General Practitioners. GP’s views on this issue are vital if there is to be any form of viable home detoxification program for alcohol and/or other drugs. A qualitative study was undertaken to determine General Practitioners’ views on regard to alcohol and drug home detoxification. Focus groups were used to examine GP’s views. Focus group participants were obtained from a maximum variation sampling technique. Twelve focus groups were conducted in rural and metropolitan Queensland Australia, over a four-month period. There were 52 participants (43 general practitioners and 9 other health professionals, 20 females and 32 males). Mean age was 40 years. The results of the study showed that views about home detoxification were dependent on level of experience with substance abuse treatment. GPs argued that for home detoxification to work, there needed to be a more responsive infrastructure, clear policy guidelines, training, and more reasonable remuneration than currently exists. GPs require improved training in addiction and drug and alcohol problems. Even though GPs held negative views about alcohol and drug dependent patients there was a willingness to become involved in their treatment and support. Improved training, support, and resources are needed to substantially improve the expansion of GP’s role in this growing area of care. References