Parallel Session A - Prevention Proposed List of Minimum Quality Standards

Parallel Session A Proposed List of Minimum Quality Standards Are the proposed lists of minimum quality standards (high consensus in surveys) acceptable? For which types of services / interventions are they accepted? Which standards from the presented additional lists of quality standards (medium consensus in surveys) should be included in the definite lists of minimum standards ? For which types of services / interventions?

General remarks Adaptation of European Drug Prevention Quality Standards to EQUS was a challenge. Different language used in field of prevention and treatment. In Drug Prevention was used a project cycle: 8 project stages including 35 components. EQUS based on three levels: Structural Standards of Services, Process Standards of Intervention, Outcome Standards at System Level. “Treatment oriented” template for prevention standards – compromise Title of standards is not narrative. They can have a different meaning. More informative title should be, now are using the same for different area e.g. staff composition Language sometimes is not easy to use/understand, open to misinterpretation: –needs, harm, program, evidence-based – glossary and translation Standards should not be a barrier to a work Use of prevention component of EQUS will be complimented by EMCDDA prevention standards manual

Outcome evaluation: Evaluation is seen as an integral and important element to ensuring programme quality. It is determined what kind of evaluation is most appropriate for the intervention, and a feasible and useful evaluation is planned. Relevant evaluation indicators are specified, and the data collection process is described. Only one standard from MQS concerning evaluation got suggestion that it is not applicable. Outcome evolution is expensive, not always needed.... Setting services up to fail? Ideal or practical standards?

Quality standards (medium consensus in surveys) – can be added to MQS 1.Sustainability: The programme promotes a long-term view on drug prevention and is not a fragmented short-term initiative. The programme is coherent in its logic and practical approach. 2.Planning the programme: A systematic programme plan is constructed. A written project plan outlines the main programme elements and procedures. Contingency plans and risk management strategies are developed. 3.Sustainability: A programme is continued on the basis of evidence provided by monitoring and/or final evaluations. If it is to be continued, opportunities for continuation are outlined. The lessons learnt from the implementation are used to inform future activities.

Concerning other, not agreement… 4. Communication and stakeholder involvement: The multi-service nature of drug prevention is considered. All stakeholders relevant to the programme (e.g. target population, other agencies) are identified, and they are involved as required for a successful programme implementation. The organisation cooperates with other agencies and institutions. 5.Recruiting and retention: It is clear how participants are drawn from the target population, and what mechanisms are used for recruitment. Specific measures are taken to maximise recruitment and retention of participants. 7. Intervention design: The programme is based on an evidence-based theoretical model that allows an understanding of the specific drug-related needs and shows how the behaviour of the target population can be changed. Scientific literature reviews and/or essential publications on the issues relating to the programme are consulted. The reviewed information is of high quality and relevant to the programme. The main findings are used to inform the programme.