A review of guidelines for collaboration in substance misuse management

Substance misuse among the working population results in increasing economic costs. General practitioners (GPs) and occupational physicians (OPs) can play a central role in detecting and managing substance misuse in the working population. Their collaboration could be critical in coordinating care, in facilitating rehabilitation and in reducing sickness absence.

To search guidelines for evidence on collaboration between GPs and OPs in substance misuse detection and management in the working population.

International guidelines regarding collaborative care for alcohol, illicit drug, hypnotic and tranquillizer misuse were identified by a systematic search in the Guidelines International Network and US National Guidelines Clearinghouse databases.

In total, 20 guidelines were considered of sufficient methodological quality, based on the criteria of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Education II instrument. Only two guidelines reported on the OP's role in screening and intervention for alcohol misuse.

There is a lack of guidance on the OP's role and on collaboration between GPs and OPs in this field. Further study is required on their respective roles in substance misuse management, the effectiveness of workplace interventions and the benefits of collaboration.