Physicians report less professional satisfaction in treating substance-abusing patients

Based on a survey of primary care physicians, Dr. Richard Saitz, Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Boston University School of Medicine and Public Health, reports that residents and faculty physicians find less satisfaction caring for patients with alcohol or drug problems than managing patients with hypertension.

One hundred forty-four residents and faculty physicians were asked about their level of satisfaction in treating patients with substance abuse problems and patients with hypertension.

The study was partially supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a component of the National Institutes of Health.

WHAT IT MEANS: Further understanding and responding to physician satisfaction in caring for drug abusing patients may improve their care.

This study was published in the May 2002 issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, which was a special issue of the journal devoted to substance abuse.

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