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Drug abuse in anesthesia training programs. A survey: 1970 through 1980
JAMA
|August 19, 1983
Summary
Drug dependence is a significant issue among anesthesia residents and instructors, with many programs reporting incidents. Behavior changes often lead to detection, and while most receive psychiatric care, some fatalities occur due to drug overdose.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Addiction Medicine
- Medical Education
Background:
- Drug dependence among anesthesia residents is a concern.
- Limited published data exists on the prevalence of substance abuse in US anesthesia training programs.
- Institutional experience highlighted the need for a broader survey.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of drug dependence among anesthesia residents and instructors in the United States.
- To identify commonly abused substances and detection methods.
- To understand the outcomes for chemically impaired anesthetists.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 289 US anesthesia training programs.
- Data collected included the number of suspected and confirmed drug dependence incidents.
- Information on drugs involved, behavioral changes, and patient outcomes was gathered.
Main Results:
- Out of 247 responding programs, 184 (74%) reported at least one suspected incident.
- 334 confirmed cases of drug dependence were reported, including instructors.
- Meperidine and fentanyl were the most frequently implicated drugs. Behavioral changes were key to detection.
- Most impaired anesthetists received psychiatric care; few required detoxification. Of those with follow-up, 71 returned to work, and 30 died from overdose.
Conclusions:
- Chemical impairment is potentially more prevalent in anesthesiology than commonly believed, possibly due to drug accessibility.
- Early detection through behavioral changes is crucial.
- Substance abuse in anesthesia training programs requires ongoing attention and intervention strategies.
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