Transcript Slide 1 - Addiction Solutions

Standard Practice
Standard practice is
what staff would be
expected to do in a
given situation
Standard Practice Issues
• Stress when dealing with substance misuse
issues is usually caused when there are no
clear guidelines as to standard practice
• A standard practice must be established
prior to any action taken to intervene with
a member of staff on substance misuse
issues in the same way as happens with any
other critical situation
• Clear policy and systems to document and
record incidents and actions need to be in
place
No perfect policy
• It is virtually impossible to create a policy
that will prevent the stress related to
working alongside those with a substance
misuse problem but it does alleviate much of
the stress if staff can follow a procedure and
be sure they have at least done what is
required of them
• Records must be kept so that in cases of
crisis, liability will be kept to a minimum
• Liability is based on the concept of foreseeability and therefore if situations are
anticipated and allowed for it creates a safer
working environment
POLICIES
Need a Policy document that addresses;
• STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE,
and provides the necessary levels of
• SUPPORT FOR STAFF,
has appropriate and clear
• DEFINITIONS of the service and its
purposes, and enables a
• PRODUCTIVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
THEREFORE POLICY SHOULD:
• Be clearly defined
• Policy should form a part of a fit for
purpose staff handbook and be readily
available and visible
• Ensure consistency throughout the
organisation
• Policies need to be fit for purpose and be
in place, distributed to staff and signed on
receipt
• Review need for different policies for
different aspects of the company
• Review impact on all staff in terms of
risk/vulnerability/exploitation
DRUGS POLICY
• Reinforce your “statement of drugs policy”
to new and existing staff
• Ensure that policy advises that use of/and or
possession of illegal substances are not
accepted
• Policy should include Guidance, on “What to
do if observing drug related activity”
• Implement a “Zero tolerance” approach to
drugs on the premises
• Clear policy statement that explains to staff
their responsibilities and guidance on how to
intervene on drugs issues
SUPPORT FOR STAFF
• Need adequate policies and guidance
indicating what to do and how to procede in
situations regarding drugs and alcohol
misuse
• Need “evidence based support” – perhaps
new staff handbook
• Regular/clear communication
• Involvement and relationship with Addiction
Solutions to provide on and off-site support
and services as and when needed
• Creativity to alleviate some of the stress having a clear vision
• Be professional towards difficult
situations/collective teamwork