Five Year Outcomes for Physicians Treated for Substance Use Disorders
Author Information
Author(s): A Thomas McLellan, Gregory S Skipper, Michael Campbell, Robert L DuPont
Primary Institution: Treatment Research Institute
Hypothesis
The effectiveness of US state physician health programmes in treating physicians with substance use disorders will lead to positive long-term outcomes.
Conclusion
About three quarters of US physicians with substance use disorders managed in this subset of physician health programmes had favourable outcomes at five years.
Supporting Evidence
- 19.3% of physicians failed the programme, usually early during treatment.
- 78.7% of physicians were licensed and working at five year follow-up.
- Only 11% of participants moved out of their programme's jurisdiction.
Takeaway
Most doctors who had problems with drugs or alcohol got better after going through special programs that help them recover and keep working.
Methodology
Five year, longitudinal, cohort study of physicians admitted to 16 state physician health programmes.
Potential Biases
The study may have selection bias as it only included programmes with electronic records.
Limitations
The sample may not be nationally representative and relied on objective records, limiting the broader understanding of participants' health.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly male (87%), average age 44 years, with various marital statuses and specialties.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website