Publications
APS Bulletin • Volume 14, Number 2, 2004
Web Site Reviews
Michael E. Clark, PhD, Department Editor
Organization: American Society of Addiction Medicine
Reviewed by Paul Arnstein, PhD RN
Site Audience
This site for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) represents well the interests of its members: “Physicians dedicated to the field of addiction medicine.” The society’s history, mission, products, programs, and current interests are clearly conveyed on this site. Special topics will appeal to researchers, clinicians, and policy makers. An online membership directory with listings organized by clinical focus (including an expert witness list) makes it easy to find specialists by topic or geographic region. This site was designed for the target audience, or those interested in related topics.
Content Appraisal
The site has some areas that serve the organization, and others that disseminate information about current research, education, and healthcare policy. Excerpts from recent research reports and legislative initiatives address the mission to promote the quality of and access to care. Consistent with the organization’s mission of educating physicians and promoting recognition of the specialty, well-developed education programs (audiotapes available) and a demanding certification process are detailed here. The comprehensive 1,664-page landmark book, Principles of Addiction Medicine (3rd Edition), tops the list of several influential publications. Connections between ASAM and APS are evident. For example, most of the authors of the chapters in the “Pain and Addiction” section of the Principles of Addiction textbook are esteemed members of both ASAM and APS, and the course directors of the acclaimed Pain and Addiction CME Workshop are members of both organizations. Additionally, a Liaison Committee on Pain and Addiction (comprising APS, ASAM, and AAPM members) has been active in several important projects, including developing consensus definitions related to opioid management of pain and core curriculum in pain medicine and addiction medicine; coordinating a media response system to speak with one voice on issues of common interest; examining the development of a resource directory of physicians with expertise in both pain and addiction medicine; and the development of consensus statements.
Navigation/Ease of Use
The site is easy to navigate, and includes several carefully selected links. Navigating within the site is straightforward. A site map and easy-to-use search engine are provided. Several dead links were encountered, and the “introductory price” for the Principles of Addiction Medicine (3rd Edition) had expired at the time of my visit. Although some outdated materials were present, the front matter and current research and policy materials were updated prior to my visit.
Recommendations
This site is high quality and is reasonably up to date. The philosophical underpinnings, with a high regard for evidence-based practice and compassionate care for individuals, makes this a worthwhile site. Critical issues affecting our nation’s health also are addressed. Those with a career focus in the area of addiction medicine will have more than a passing interest in the content, and will want to visit the site on a quarterly basis to remain abreast of important developments in the field.
Reviewer content represents the opinion of the reviewer, not APS.
Please direct your comments or suggestions for future Web Site Reviews to Michael E. Clark, PhD, Department Editor, at michaeleclark2@msn.com