Survey of anaesthetists’ attitudes to random alcohol and drug testing in the workplace

Attitudes among trainee and practising anaesthetists to random drug and alcohol testing (RDT) were surveyed in the anaesthesia workplace. There were 270 (22% trainees, 68% male) respondents to an online survey instrument. Sixty-three percent supported RDT for anaesthetists, and there were similar levels of support for RDT of surgeons (62%), anaesthesia assistants (66%), post-anaesthesia care unit staff (65%), operating theatre nurses (64%), and hospital pharmacists (66%). If RDT was introduced, respondents differed in their preferred frequency of testing (26% twice a year, 27% unsure, 9% monthly). RDT of road users by police was supported by 96% of respondents, and there were widely differing views on current systems for drug security, distribution or disposal being a deterrent or reducing drug diversion.