Curriculum for General Practice - The Royal New Zealand College ...

A Addictions
Professionalism
The GP will demonstrate the ability to:
• understand their practice policy and process for accessing
immediate support if needed to ensure their safety and
the mechanism to debrief after difficult consultations
• pay attention to their own self-care; doctors are not
exempt from addictions either
• reflect on ways to manage a consultation when they and
the patient have conflicting values
• describe the process by which they can raise
concerns about a colleague
• recognise which prescription medicines have street
value and be alert for potential misuse
• be aware of the circumstances under which GP
performance and competence can decrease.
Scholarship
The GP will demonstrate the ability to:
• document all discussions accurately and carefully
• safely treat patients, colleagues, family/whānau and self
according to Medical Council of New Zealand guidelines
• evaluate prescribing of potentially misused
prescription drugs and compare with colleagues
• use opportunities to up-skill and maintain awareness
of the issues surrounding addiction.
Context of General Practice
The GP will demonstrate the ability to:
• familiarise themselves with local agencies who treat
and support patients and their family/whānau living
with addictions, recognising the particular challenges
in small or rural communities
• use the principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā, exploring
the impact of addiction on patient, family/whānau,
workplace and community
• consider the role of culture in addiction
• outline the medico-legal issues in relation to alcohol
and drug use, for example when driving.
• describe the local process for relaying information
about drug-seekers to other practitioners
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Curriculum for General Practice