How to help a colleague in distress

• Note the changes you have observed in your colleague that you find worrisome (especially objective and/or measurable changes). 
• Create the opportunity of a meeting at an appropriate moment and place. 
• State your objective observation, your concern for him/her and your wish to help. Do not sermonize or lecture.
• Inform him/her of the existence of resources and your confidence in their ability to help (try to be motivating...). 
• Offer to be with him/her during treatment or resolution of the problem – depending on your willingness and availability to go through the process; if and when you do offer assistance, set your limits. 
• Should your suggestions be followed, continue to provide support as required.
• If you feel unable to undertake such action or need further advice on how to proceed, contact the QPHP.

Attitudes to take

• Be clear about which hat you are wearing
  - friend
  - administrator
• Show clearly your desire to help
• Never attempt a diagnosis
• Never make empty threats 
• Never cover up 
• Guarantee confidentiality
• Follow up on agreements
• Make it simple to take time away from work during treatment 
• Take measures to simplify return to work

The approach

• Break the denial front
• Illustrate the destructive consequences of current behavior for him/herself and other
• Demonstrate the loss of control with respect to the substance used 
• Enunciate the discomfort vs hope equation
• Suggest help

Procedure for administrators or department heads

• Main Objective
  Come to a clear agreement on what must be done to improve the situation
• Specific Objectives
  State the problem clearly
  Make the physician aware of the problem
  Explore
  - possible solutions
  - measures to be undertaken
• Set
  - expectations
  - deadlines

Leniency is a disservice to all involved.

Links
- Canadian society of Addiction Medecine: www.csam.com
- Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse: www.ccsa.com
- Permanent Committee on Addiction: www.cplt.com
- Toxquebec.com: www.toxquebec.com
- American Society of Addiction Medecine: www.asam.org

A couple of good reasons to turn to the QPHP:

• Directed to appropriate resources
• Overall evaluation of physical, psychological and social health 
• Development of a plan of action and treatment protocol 
• Therapeutic and administrative follow-up

If you or a colleague are battling difficulties such as:

• mental health problem (burnout, adjustment disorder, anxiety, bereavement, etc.) 
• substance abuse or addiction, behavioral problem (alcohol, medication, drugs, gambling)
• stress 
• personal, marital or family problems
• sexuality in the patient/physician relationship
• sexual or mental harassment and violence 
• financial difficulties or legal problems

info@pamq.org

QPHP
Physicians helping physicians
Discreet, expert, compassionate help to find solutions

Confidentiality assured
(514) 397•0888 – 1 800 387•4166

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