NCJ Number
185371
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2000 Pages: 235-250
Date Published
August 2000
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development of shared care for drug misuse in Greater Manchester, England.
Abstract
The article pays particular attention to a successful system involving all general practitioners (GPs) in the district and which provides direct access for GPs to a variety of support services for drug misusers, including training, rehabilitation and supported home detoxification. It also describes the Greater Manchester Shared Care Training Initiative, summarizes local research related to GP and patient attitudes and suggests ways of overcoming resistance among GPs and primary care staff. The attitudes and skill base of primary care staff, the amount of support they receive and the effectiveness and enthusiasm of the specialist service is important to a shared care program, as is the championship of the program by a few local GPs. The article concludes that, with appropriate training and support and sensitive evangelism, most GPs can be brought to realize that treatment of drug misuse is a satisfying and beneficial component of normal family practice. Table, references