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

Citation

Matheson C, Porteous T, van Teijlingen E & Bond CM (2010) Management of drug misuse: An 8-year follow-up survey of Scottish GPs. British Journal of General Practice, 60 (576), pp. 517-520. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp10X514783

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.

Keywords
drug abuse; general practice; survey

Journal
British Journal of General Practice: Volume 60, Issue 576

People

Professor Catriona Matheson

Professor in Substance Use, Faculty of Social Sciences