Substance misuse amongst anaesthetists in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Three hundred and four departments of anaesthesia in UK and Ireland were sent questionnaires about alcohol and drug abuse in anaesthetists over the preceding 10-year period. Information was sought on the nature and extent of substance problems, their presentation and management. The survey achieved a high response rate of 71.7% and a total of 130 cases were reported, of whom 34.6% were consultants and 43.2% were trainees. Over 50% of respondents felt a lack of confidence in dealing with alcohol or drug misuse amongst colleagues. The results of this survey demonstrate that over one anaesthetist per month has presented with significant alcohol or drug misuse in the UK and Ireland over the last 10 years. It is important that those with management responsibilities for departments of anaesthesia are aware that such problems exist and are likely to impact on the professional ability and health of the affected individual. The Working Party on Substance Abuse at the Association of Anaesthetists has recently published guidance in the management of these problems. A case is made for increasing awareness in this sensitive subject to enable early recognition and treatment of an anaesthetist who is misusing alcohol and drugs since intervention can be effective

Perfil dos idosos atendidos em um centro de atenção psicossocial: álcool e outras drogas Perfil de los ancianos asistido en el centro de atención psicosocial: alcohol y otras droga Profile of the elderly assisted in a psychosocial care center: alcohol and other drugs

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar o perfil dos idosos usuários de substâncias psicoativas atendidos no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial de álcool e drogas no interior paulista, no período de 1996 a 2009. O desenho metodológico é descritivo, do tipo retrospectivo, baseado em dados secundários. A amostra foi composta por 191 clientes com idade acima de 60 anos, que correspondem a 3,2% de todos os atendidos no referido serviço. Os idosos caracterizaram-se por serem predominantemente do sexo masculino; a média de idade foi 64 anos, com baixo nível de escolaridade; 78,4% tinham até o ensino fundamental; e 86% eram aposentados. As drogas de maior uso foram: o álcool, a maconha, o crack e a cocaína. Conclui-se que o número de idosos que buscam assistência especializada é muito baixo. Estudos dessa natureza são importantes para avaliar as necessidades desse grupo em evidente crescimento, bem como o uso de substâncias psicoativas para o planejamento de práticas efetivas.<br>El objetivo del estudio fue identificar el perfil de los ancianos del Centro de Atención Psicosocial de alcohol y otras drogas de Ribeirao Preto, SP, en el período 1996 a 2009. El diseño metodológico es descriptivo del tipo retrospectivo basado en los datos secundarios. La muestra consistió de 191 (3,2%) clientes mayores de 60 años asistidos en ese servicio. La muestra se caracterizó por los ancianos con media de edad de 64 años con un predominio masculino, con bajo nivel educacional: 78,4% tenía estudios primarios y el 86% eran jubilados. Las drogas de mayor uso fueron: alcohol, marihuana, crack y cocaína. Se concluye que el número de ancianos que buscan la asistencia de expertos es muy bajo. Estudios de esa naturaleza son importantes paraevaluar las necesidades de ese grupo en el evidente crecimiento, así como el uso de sustancias psicoactivas para la planificación de prácticas efectivas.<br>The objective was to identify the profile of the elderly at the Center for Psychosocial Care - alcohol and other drugs in Ribeirão Preto SP, in the period of 1996 to 2009. The methodological design was the descriptive retrospective study based on secondary data. The sample consisted of 191 (3.2%) customer over 60 years assisted in the service. The sample was characterized by elders with a mean age of 64 years, predominantly male, with low educational level, 78.4% had primary school and 86% were retired. The most commonly drugs used were alcohol, marijuana, crack and cocaine. It concludes that the number of elderly who seeks for expert assistance is very low. Studies of this nature are important to assess the needs of this group in the clear growth as well as the use of psychoactive substances for planning effective practices

Recording of clinical information in a Scotland-wide drug deaths study

The aim of this study was to analyse the nature and extent of data extracted from case files of deceased individuals in contact with services 6 months prior to drug deaths in Scotland during 2003. A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of 317 case notes of 237 individuals who had drug-related deaths was undertaken, using a data linkage process. All contacts made with services in the 6 months prior to death were identified. Information on clinical and social circumstances obtained from social care, specialist drug treatment, mental health, non-statutory services, the Scottish Prison Service and Criminal Records Office was collated. More than 70% (n = 237) were seen 6 months prior to their drug death. Sociodemographic details were reported much more frequently than medical problems, for example, ethnicity (49%), living accommodation (66%), education and income (52%) and dependent children (73%). Medical and psychiatric history was recorded in only 12%, blood-borne viral status in 17% and life events in 26%. This paucity of information was a feature of treatment plans and progress recorded. The 237 drug deaths were not a population unknown to services. Highly relevant data were missing. Improved training to promote in-depth recording and effective monitoring may result in better understanding and reduction of drug deaths