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Self-reported alcohol consumption in doctors
- Source :
- Occupational Medicine. 70:439-441
- Publication Year :
- 2020
- Publisher :
- Oxford University Press (OUP), 2020.
-
Abstract
- Background The UK government has prioritized reducing the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption on mental and physical well-being. Aims To assess self-reported alcohol consumption amongst doctors at an acute London Trust. Methods An opportunistic, anonymous, survey was conducted by Postgraduate Education Fellows over 2 weeks in December 2018. This included all grades of doctors from Foundation Year One to Consultant. The survey consisted of nine questions, modified from the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and CAGE questionnaire. Results Of 446 doctors within our institution, 109 completed the survey (24%). Fourteen per cent of those surveyed abstained from alcohol, 21% drank monthly or less, 31% drank between two to four times per month, 25% drank two to three times per week and 9% drank greater than four times per week. In the preceding 2 years, 9% reported being unable to do what was expected of them on at least one occasion due to alcohol. Five per cent were concerned about alcohol affecting their performance. Two per cent were annoyed by criticism of their drinking, 9% felt guilty about drinking and 4% needed an eye-opener. Eighteen per cent wanted to reduce their alcohol consumption; however, 43% of the 109 doctors surveyed were uncertain where to seek help. Conclusions Twenty per cent of surveyed doctors reported consuming potentially hazardous levels of alcohol and 18% of respondents wanted to cut down. Forty-three per cent were unaware of sources of support. Our findings suggest a role for collaboration between Occupational Health departments and Postgraduate Education teams to support doctors misusing alcohol.
- Subjects :
- Physician Impairment
medicine.medical_specialty
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
Alcohol Drinking
business.industry
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Alcohol use test
030210 environmental & occupational health
Occupational safety and health
Excessive alcohol consumption
CAGE questionnaire
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
Physicians
Surveys and Questionnaires
Family medicine
London
medicine
Humans
Self Report
030212 general & internal medicine
Self report
business
Alcohol-Related Disorders
Alcohol consumption
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 14718405 and 09627480
- Volume :
- 70
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Occupational Medicine
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....8605ff4f96860ee53f8606b75d424971