Doctors and Medical Students Case Managed by an Australian Doctors Health Program: Characteristics and Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the characteristics and outcomes of participants with an Australian physician health program, the Victorian Doctors Health Program (VDHP), for case management of substance use disorder (SUD) and/or significant mental illness. Method: As part of quality assurance, processes data, including demographic information, care plan components and outcomes, were analysed. Results: Between 2001 and 2008, 115 participants undertook case management plans with the VDHP. The majority (n = 71, 62%) had some involvement with the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria (MPBV). Case management included facilitating referrals to addiction specialists, psychiatrists, counsellors and peer-based support. Ninety (78%) participants reported SUD, the remainder having mental illness (n = 25, 22%). Alcohol was the main drug reported by the SUD group (n = 44, 49%). Most of the SUD participants undertook biochemical monitoring. On commencement with the VDHP, 39 (34%) participants were on leave due to illness. The majority of participants case managed for 5 years were in medical work (n = 31, 84%). Conclusions: Case management by an independent physician health program may protect the health of the doctor and the community, and could be considered in other jurisdictions.