ARDC Research Link Australia

ORCID Profile
Orcid icon. 0000-0001-7193-9566

Current Organisations
South East Sydney Local Health District , Royal Australasian College of Physicians , Royal Australian College of General Practitioners , Murrumbidgee Local Health District , Alice St General Practice , University of Sydney , UNSW Graduate Research School , University of New South Wales - Randwick Campus

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Publications

Publication

What do general practitioners want from specialist alcohol and other drug services? A qualitative study of New South Wales metropolitan general practitioners

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 30-03-2022

DOI: 10.1111/DAR.13463

Abstract: Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is common in Australia with significant health and community impacts. General practitioners (GP) often see people with AOD use however, there is little research to understand how specialist AOD services could assist GPs in the management of patients with AOD issues. Thirty‐five GPs working in general practice in a metropolitan area in Sydney in New South Wales, Australia, participated in one of three focus groups. The groups were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. The five themes raised by participants were: GP personal agency and interest in AOD issues GP education and training gaps improving pathways between GP and specialist AOD services easier access to AOD specialist advice and improving access to collaborative care for patients with complex AOD presentations. Participants requested education on screening, assessing, managing AOD issues, focused on alcohol, stimulants and high‐risk prescription medicines. They suggested better referral processes, discharge summaries and care planning for complex presentations. Participants wanted easy access to specialist advice and suggested collaborative care assisted by experienced AOD liaison nurses. Australia has several existing programs online referral pathways and specialist phone advice, that address some of the issues raised. Unfortunately, many participants were not aware of these. GP education must be supported by multiple processes, including durable referral pathways, ready access to local specialist advice, clear communication (including patient attendance and a treatment plan), care planning and written summaries.

Publication