Employment of addictologists in mental health centers for people with serious chronic mental illness in the Czech Republic
Abstract
The aim of the research was to map the need and real state of workers with education or previous experience in the field of addiction
(especially addictologists) in the Mental Health Centers for people with severe chronic mental illness. The research group consisted of all 30 existing centers in the Czech Republic. Data were obtained from 90% of the centers. Data collection was carried out by means of telephone semi-structured interviews with the managers of the centers from 28 January 2022 to 2 February 2022.
The research showed that 81% of centers have more than 10% of clients with a dual diagnosis. 89 % of the centers do not have an addictologist or psychiatrist with a certificate in the field of addictive diseases on their team. 19 % of centers have no staff trained or with previous experience in working with people with addiction syndrome. 85 % of the centers would welcome an addictologist in the team.