Alcohol and other drug policies for health care workplaces: evaluation of the content, quality and implementability

Abstract

Purpose Research on alcohol and other drug policies (AOD policies) at workplaces has been conducted mainly in the manufacturing industry and among general working population. There is a lack of research from health care workplaces. This study describes the content and evaluates the comprehensiveness of alcohol and other drug policies made for the health care workplaces as well as their quality and implementability. Design/methodology/approach A deductive document analysis based on four gray literature searches was performed. Data was analyzed using two deductive frameworks, an Alcohol and Other Drug Policy Evaluation tool developed for this study, and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation–Health Systems tool. Findings The evaluation of AOD policies (N = 25) revealed deficiencies in the descriptions of policy development processes, policy implementation and the organizations' commitment to the policies. The descriptions of monitoring and evaluating policy's implementation and informing and updating the policy were insufficient. Furthermore, descriptions of values, ethical principles and substance use disorder as treatable condition were scarce. None of the policies were evidence-based. Originality/value To our knowledge, this is the first study to simultaneously evaluate the content, quality and implementability of AOD policies for healthcare workplaces. Based on the evaluation, strengthening AOD policies requires transparent development, leadership engagement and evidence-based, ethically grounded content from prevention to return-to-work. Future research is needed on effective interventions and support for policy design and implementation in the health care context.