Unfortunately, impairment among physicians is a real problem. Impairment can be caused by drug use, alcohol use, physical and mental health illnesses and the affects of advancing age.
If you suspect impairment or have any concerns regarding impairment in a colleague, you are obligated to immediately report your concern. Information will be treated confidentially to the extent allowed by law. All good faith reports of possible impairment can be made without fear of retaliation.
Medical Staff Policy 57.35 “Medical Staff Member Health Program: Medical Staff Members with Suspected or Known Impairment”, outlines the reporting processes.
Confidential Reporting System
On-line reporting form is located on the Medical Staff Services Intranet page.
If you would prefer to speak with someone regarding this matter please contact the Hospital Medical Director: (302) 651-5829
Keep in mind
- Social, family and emotional problems will often occur prior to signs of impairment in the clinical practice setting
- Substance abuse issues frequently pre-date entry into the medical profession
- No one sign signifies impairment. Collectively the signs may define a pattern or provide a warning that a potential problem exists
Overt Clinical Signs of Impairment due to Substance Abuse
- Alcohol on Breath
- Unexplained Weight Change
- Anxiety
- Ataxic Gait
- Needle Marks
- Mood Stability
- Slurred Speech
- Disheveled Appearance
- Mood Instability
- Unexplained Tremor
- Deterioration of Personal Hygiene
- Depressed Mood
Behavioral Clues to Impairment
- Heavy drinking, frequent drunkeness
- Increase in Accidents
- Irritability - Aggresiveness
- Declining Performance
- Outbursts of Anger - Conflicts with Colleagues
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI's)
- Frequent Medical complaints without specific diagnosis (fatique, insomnia,indigestion,depression)
- Sexual Promiscuity
Practice Warning Signs
- Excessive absenteeism/lateness
- Increased patient complaints
- Sleeping/dozing on duty
- Neglect of Patients or Duties
- Inappropriate Treatment
- Hard to Locate
- Spends Time behind locked doors
- Does not Respond to Pages
- Appointments/schedules disorganized
- Unusual Rounding Times
- Erratic Job History
- Incorrect Charting/Order Writing
- Decreased Productivity
Professional Lapses
- Writing prescriptions for narcotics, stimulants or sedatives for self or office staff
- Requesting prescriptions for narcotics, stimulants or sedatives from colleagues
- Diverting patient’s narcotics, stimulants or sedatives for self use
Report your Concerns
- Hospital Medical Director via phone (302)-651-5829
- Confidential on-line report form - located on intranet
*Ross, Stephen, MD. Identifying an Impaired Physician. American Medical Association Journal of Ethics. December 2003. Vol. 5, Number 12.