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. 2002 May;17(5):373-6.
doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2002.10520.x.

Professional satisfaction experienced when caring for substance-abusing patients: faculty and resident physician perspectives

Richard Saitz  1 , Peter D Friedmann, Lisa M Sullivan, Michael R Winter, Christine Lloyd-Travaglini, Mark A Moskowitz, Jeffrey H Samet
Affiliations

Professional satisfaction experienced when caring for substance-abusing patients: faculty and resident physician perspectives

Richard Saitz et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2002 May.

Abstract

This survey aimed to describe and compare resident and faculty physician satisfaction, attitudes, and practices regarding patients with addictions. Of 144 primary care physicians, 40% used formal screening tools; 24% asked patients' family history. Physicians were less likely (P <.05) to experience at least a moderate amount of professional satisfaction caring for patients with alcohol (32% of residents, 49% of faculty) or drug (residents 30%, faculty 31%) problems than when managing hypertension (residents 76%, faculty 79%). Interpersonal experience with addictions was common (85% of faculty, 72% of residents) but not associated with attitudes, practices, or satisfaction. Positive attitudes toward addiction treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.60; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.59 to 13.29), confidence in assessment and intervention (AOR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.09 to 5.69), and perceived responsibility for addressing substance problems (AOR, 5.59; CI, 2.07 to 15.12) were associated with greater satisfaction. Professional satisfaction caring for patients with substance problems is lower than that for other illnesses. Addressing physician satisfaction may improve care for patients with addictions.

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