The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has launched an innovative resource library to help GPs care for patients who use alcohol and other drugs.
The Alcohol and Other Drugs GP Education Resource Library contains tools and resources developed as part of the college's Alcohol and Other Drugs GP Education Program designed to help GPs address the challenges they face every day with patients who use alcohol and other drugs. The resources include clinical approaches, links to patient handouts and helpful case scenarios. GPs can also access an AOD case-based discussion group every Thursday night, where they can join colleagues and an expert panel to discuss AOD cases and questions.
RACGP spokespeople have previously spoken about the importance of approaching alcohol and other drugs policy from a health-based perspective and doing everything possible to help patients in need.
RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price said the new resource was another step forward in helping people with alcohol and other drug issues.
"The RACGP is right behind hardworking GPs doing all they can to help patients grappling with alcohol and other drugs issues," she said.
"This resource library will make a real difference, it's a one-stop shop where GPs can gain quick access to evidence-based approaches to help patients. The site includes a searchable list of over 180 clinical resources and links to further alcohol and other drug training options. Furthermore, we have resources designed to support a whole of practice approach, including supervisors, practice leaders, practice managers and reception staff – there is something for the whole team.
"As I have said many times before, almost all of us know a person in our lives who has been negatively affected by alcohol or other drug use. This is something that cuts across all segments of society and all demographics – no one is immune. Declaring a 'war on drugs' will get us nowhere as you are effectively declaring war on someone's loved one, family member or friend. Instead, we need a health-first approach, and this resource library will assist with achieving that, it's a positive step forward."
Chair of the RACGP's Specific Interests Addiction Medicine network Dr Hester Wilson said that the resource library was a product of the college's successful Alcohol and Other Drug GP Education Program.
"The RACGP's Alcohol and Other Drug GP Education Program offered something unique to our members," she said.
"They were able to experience paid study leave to invest in their knowledge and skills. Over 2,500 members benefited from the program, which is well above the initial target of 1,100. After three years the program is wrapping up by the end of the year, but the resource library will live on.
"A health-first approach to alcohol and drug issues can save countless lives and there is so much more we can do. Let's end the stigma, take an evidence-based approach, and do everything possible to help people using alcohol and other drugs."
