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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie
Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie 2/2017

01-02-2017 | Continuing Professional Development

The impaired anesthesiologist: what you should know about substance abuse

Authors: Stefan T. Samuelson, MD, Ethan O. Bryson, MD

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite our considerable experience with the problem of addiction in our specialty, most anesthesia care providers don’t know how to identify or help an impaired colleague. The purpose of this article to provide sufficient information on substance use disorder (SUD) to aid in its identification amongst colleagues and to assist in its management.

Principal findings

Depending on the region, 10-15% of the general population is prone to developing a SUD and will abuse drugs or alcohol at some point in their life. Physicians and other healthcare professionals are not immune to the disease of addiction and are just as prone to developing SUD as laypersons. Even so, the risk of mortality is significantly increased because of access to potent and highly addictive anesthetic agents with a narrow therapeutic index when self-administered. Also, the number of anesthesia residents who are identified as having SUD is currently increasing.

Conclusions

Due to the considerable morbidity and mortality associated with the abuse of anesthetic agents as well as the continuous increase in the rate of substance abuse by anesthesia providers, it is essential for anesthesia care providers to become familiar with the presenting signs and symptoms of substance abuse and impairment.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The impaired anesthesiologist: what you should know about substance abuse
Authors
Stefan T. Samuelson, MD
Ethan O. Bryson, MD
Publication date
01-02-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-016-0780-1

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