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Public perceptions of alcohol use by physicians
Norman A Desbiens1, Mukta Panda, Neema Doshi
1Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga Unit, Chattanooga, TN, USA. desbiena@erlanger.org
Southern Medical Journal
|February 1, 2005
Summary
Public opinion strongly opposes physician alcohol use on duty. Most patients believe doctors should not drink at all while working and must disclose any alcohol consumption before patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health Policy
- Physician Conduct
Background:
- Physician alcohol use while on duty presents ethical challenges.
- Understanding public perception is crucial for medical professionalism and patient trust.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate public attitudes towards physicians consuming alcohol during work hours.
- To gauge patient awareness and beliefs regarding on-duty alcohol use by medical professionals.
Main Methods:
- A random telephone survey was conducted with 408 adults in a Tennessee county.
- Data collected focused on public perceptions and experiences with physicians potentially using alcohol on duty.
Main Results:
- A very small percentage of respondents suspected physicians of alcohol use (1% overall, 7% on duty).
- Overwhelming public disapproval exists for on-duty alcohol consumption (98% disagreed with social drinking, 92% against any drinking).
- A significant majority (91%) believe physicians should disclose alcohol consumption before patient interaction.
Conclusions:
- Public intolerance towards on-duty physician alcohol use is high.
- Patients rarely suspect or encounter physicians using alcohol while working.
- Strengthening ethical codes against on-duty alcohol use can enhance physician prestige and public confidence.