Title

Prescription medication use by emergency department doctors to improve work and academic performance, and to manage stress and anxiety.

Authors

Eggink, Karin M; Taylor, Simone E; Judkins, Simon; Taylor, David McD

Abstract

Objective: To determine medications used by ED doctors to improve work and academic performance, and to manage stress and anxiety. Methods: We undertook an online, voluntary, anonymous survey of ACEM fellows and trainees. Results: One hundred and thirty‐nine (46.5%) respondents used a medication under examination. Sleep aids included melatonin (19.1% of respondents) and benzodiazepines (8.7%). Medications to improve performance included modafinil (4.7%), pseudoephedrine (2.0%), melatonin (2.0%) and beta blockers (1.3%). Some medications were taken prior to shifts. Medications to manage stress and anxiety included benzodiazepines (3.0%) and beta blockers (2.0%). Conclusion: Medication use is common and support for some doctors may be required.

Subjects

DRUG dosage; ANXIETY prevention; PREVENTION of psychological stress; ERGOGENIC aids; JOB stress; ACADEMIC achievement; SURVEYS; BENZODIAZEPINES; MELATONIN; BRONCHODILATOR agents; ADRENERGIC beta blockers; DRUGS; STRESS management; MODAFINIL; JOB performance; TRANQUILIZING drugs

Publication

Emergency Medicine Australasia, 2021, Vol 33, Issue 2, p369

ISSN

1742-6731

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1111/1742-6723.13733