Safety

Keeping an eye on colleagues' health

OSHA Healthcare Connection, January 10, 2006

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With 10%-15% of all healthcare professionals misusing drugs at some time in their careers, the statistics on drug abuse by these professionals seem to show a pattern similar to that of the general population, according to a report in American Family Physician.

In addition, because people are reluctant to discuss the problem, the extent of drug abuse by healthcare workers is hard to evaluate. The following signs-excerpted from HCPro's online course, "Patient safety for healthcare staff: Keeping your facility safe and sound," may signal that a staff member is abusing narcotics. Remember that individuals can exhibit these signs and not be misusing drugs:

Reluctance to undergo a physical exam Is unusually solicitous of patients, families, supervisors
Forgetfulness when performing routine duties Skin changes in tone and integrity around face and arms
Decline in documentation quality Smells of alcohol, or has bloodshot eyes
Exhibits unpredictable mood swings Has hand tremors
Socially isolates him- or herself Has unexplained absences
Screams, shouts, or throws tantrums Frequently checks narcotics supply and orders items from pharmacy
Contradicts his or her own orders Takes a break or visits a restroom after accessing narcotics
Challenges department policies and procedures Becomes defensive when questioned about errors or poor patient care
Personal grooming declines

Any time your colleagues are visibly impaired, whether from fatigue or possible abuse, report it immediately to your supervisor, the patient safety contact, or employee health services.



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