Are all Districts Equally Ready for “Shared Care” of Drug Misusers?

Abstract

All GPs in three neighbouring districts were sent a questionnaire concerning attitudes towards drug raisusers and their treatment beliefs. 79 % (270) returned completed questionnaires. Two of the districts showed similar attitude scores towards opiate users and their treatment but the third district contained significantly more GPs with negative attitudes. Social deprivation scores did not appear important. GPs who had experience of prescribing for drug users and were of younger age were more likely to have positive opinions. This study demonstrates an apparent positive shift in opinion and attitude of GP's and provides indications for purchasers wishing to develop “shared care” of drug misusers. However they must first assess local conditions before they can set targets and allocate resources.