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Physicians in alcoholism: a study of current status and future needs
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Physicians in the American Medical Society on Alcoholism (AMSA) show diverse practice settings and specialties. This group, while not exhaustive, highlights varied clinical and educational needs within the alcoholism field.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Addiction medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Understanding the physician workforce in alcoholism is crucial for addressing treatment needs.
- Previous data from the American Medical Association (AMA) and federal surveys provide a broader context for physicians in the United States.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of physicians involved in alcoholism treatment.
- To identify the medical manpower needs within the field of alcoholism.
Main Methods:
- Survey of members of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism (AMSA).
- Comparison of AMSA respondent data with American Medical Association (AMA) and federal physician survey data.
Main Results:
- AMSA respondents represented diverse specialties, including psychiatry, internal medicine, and family practice.
- Respondents were equally split between office-based and institutional practice, with a majority affiliated with medical school faculties.
- Consensus existed on the necessity of Alcoholics Anonymous and the effectiveness of nonmedical counselors, though views on alcoholism etiology varied.
Conclusions:
- The study sample, though not fully inclusive, represents a diverse physician group within the alcoholism field.
- This diversity indicates varied clinical and educational requirements among physicians treating alcoholism.
- Findings underscore the need for tailored approaches to meet the specific needs of this medical specialty.