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The employee as client: perceptions of a work-based alcohol treatment program.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) show promise for addressing problem drinking, but client feedback suggests a gap between theory and practice. Early identification of issues is often missed, delaying necessary interventions.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
- Addiction Studies
Background:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are designed to address workplace issues, including problem drinking.
- Client perspectives offer crucial insights into the effectiveness and practical application of EAPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the perceived effectiveness of EAPs in intervening with problem drinking based on client reports.
- To identify discrepancies between the theoretical framework and practical implementation of EAPs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of client reports from an EAP.
- Qualitative assessment of client experiences and perceptions.
- Consideration of data validity challenges, including self-reporting biases.
Main Results:
- Clients generally affirmed the viability of EAPs for problem drinking intervention.
- Significant concerns were raised regarding the documentation and use of work performance issues in the referral process.
- Clients often reported referral occurred after prolonged periods of problem drinking, indicating delayed early identification.
Conclusions:
- While EAPs are seen as viable, their practical application may not align with theoretical expectations.
- Improved documentation of work performance issues is needed for timely EAP intervention.
- Addressing self-reporting validity is crucial for accurately assessing EAP effectiveness.