An intern attends a neighborhood dinner party and recognizes a colleague who works in another department at the same hospital. Throughout the evening, she notices her colleague responding to a number of routine medical calls from the hospital and drinking many alcoholic beverages. Later that evening, the physician discovers that her colleague is delivering pharmaceutical prescriptions over the phone while slurring her voice. The physician approaches her colleague, requesting that on-call responsibilities be transferred for the benefit of patient care. He argues that he is alright, that he is not inebriated, and that his responsibilities finish in 30 minutes. Which of the following is the best course of action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Physicians have an ethical and legal obligation to report impaired colleagues as soon as possible. This doctor is in the uneasy situation of knowing that a colleague is inebriated while on duty. Although it is unknown if this is an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern of impairment, the physician is required to respond quickly since patient safety is jeopardized. The immediate supervisor of the colleague should be notified so that the matter may be resolved as soon as feasible.
The risks of failing to intervene include patient damage and the inability to receive appropriate assessment and therapy for the physician, which can have a detrimental impact on his health, career, and family. Regulations at most institutions and state medical boards require physicians to report impaired colleagues.  This can usually be done anonymously. In a non-emergency situation, a person should contact the designated hospital committee, commonly called a physician health

An Intern Attends a Neighborhood Dinner Party and Recognizes a Colleague