Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Margaret Sherratt, Kevin Jones
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
The UK Government is keen for general practitioners (GPs) to play a more active role in the management of narcotic misuse but GPs and primary care teams may feel unable to cope with addicts due to lack of training. We aimed to determine their training needs. Questionnaires arising from 31 qualitative interviews and piloted in two practices in Newcastle were sent to all primary health care team members in 34 GP practices and 43 pharmacies in the Gateshead area of Tyneside. Data were analysed using SPSS. Many professionals would welcome training on management of drug addicts in general practice. Overall 153 (80%) of 190 respondents had experienced aggression, and handling aggressive behaviour was the training need most often identified. GPs particularly identified learning how to deal with unreal expectations and safe prescribing. Practical ways of updating included a local news bulletin and a drug-problem worker attending a practice meeting. Written materials requested included a leaflet for patients and relatives about drug abuse in general, and laminated sheets with: contact numbers for local services; what to do when an addict first presents; and a conversion chart for starting doses. Identifying this 'wish list' for training is an important step but resources will be needed in order to respond, particularly in reducing concerns about violence and aggression.
Author(s): Sherratt M, Jones K
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy
Year: 2003
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 87-94
ISSN (print): 0968-7637
ISSN (electronic):
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0968763021000040923
DOI: 10.1080/0968763021000040923
