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Physicians' attitudes toward mandatory workplace urine drug testing.
S J Lemon1, D G Sienko, P C Alguire
1Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Physicians surveyed generally support mandatory drug testing if required, despite privacy concerns and doubts about the prevalence of drug use. Further discussion is needed before widespread implementation of workplace drug testing for doctors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Occupational Health
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Workplace drug testing is expanding into public and private sectors.
- Healthcare workers are increasingly subject to these programs.
- Physician attitudes toward drug testing are crucial for policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey attending physicians' attitudes regarding mandatory hospital-based urine drug testing.
- To understand physician perspectives on drug use, testing procedures, and privacy rights.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to attending physicians in a midwestern county.
- Data collected on opinions regarding physician drug use, testing efficacy, privacy, and policy support.
Main Results:
- A majority (72%) viewed physician drug use as a minor or nonexistent issue.
- Significant concerns were noted regarding testing procedures (38% lacked confidence) and privacy (60% felt it infringed rights).
- Despite concerns, 87% would comply with mandatory testing, with 45% agreeing with the policy for physicians with hospital privileges.
Conclusions:
- Physician support for mandatory drug testing is mixed, with concerns about privacy and efficacy.
- Widespread implementation requires further education and dialogue within the medical community.
- Physicians showed greater support for testing in other occupations and for illicit drugs.