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26 - Impaired Physicians

from Part V - Ongoing and Future Research Directions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2020

By
A. Benjamin Srivastava  and
Mark S. Gold
Edited by
Steve Sussman
Steve Sussman
Affiliation:
University of Southern California
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Summary

Substance use disorders affect physicians at a prevalence like the general population, yet they are difficult to detect and are inextricably linked to job dissatisfaction and burnout. Often physicians develop complex denial strategies and rationalizations, and shame and stigma prevent them from seeking help. However, when engaged in treatment and monitored through state-level Physicians Health Programs (PHPs), including long term monitoring and systems of accountability, approximately 80 percent will stay sober for and return to work in five years. This continuing care model with long-term monitoring and follow up, if adopted for the general population, may provide a paradigm shifting approach for the treatment of substance addictions, and might be extended to behavioral addictions.

Keywords

impairedphysiciansepidemiologyburnoutaddictionsPHPsmonitoringaccountabilitycontinuing carepharmacotherapy
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Substance and Behavioral Addictions , pp. 326 - 332
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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