Keeping on target – the need for more rapid and policy relevant reporting Jane Mounteney Bergen Clinics Foundation/ University of Bergen
Early identification and rapid reporting of new drug developments allows for early intervention
Rapid reporting – the ’speed’ problem Slow reporting systems Levels of bureaucracy Lengthy research processes New codes Collation/ communication gap
Possible solutions to the ’speed’ problem City/ local level systems – less levels of bureaucracy Pragmatic use of existing data (not new studies) Validity attained through triangulation of sources & methods (multi-indicator, mixed methods) Inclusion of sensitive sources – informants, media etc.
Research paradigms for rapid/relevant trend monitoring ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH PARADIGMS Postpositivism Determination Reductionism Empirical observation & measurement Theory verification Constructivism Understanding Multiple participant meanings Social and historical construction Theory generation Advocacy/Participatory Political Empowerment-issue oriented Collaborative Change-oriented Pragmatism Consequences of action Problem-centred Pluralistic Real-world practice oriented Creswell (2003)
Model - rapid identification and response to emerging drug trends SBK City level drug monitoring system – early identification Rapid assessment & response capability – early intervention
Combination of two methods Monitoring & rapid assessment: Identification of emerging drug trends In-depth investigation of worrying findings Multi-agency action planning
SCHOOL PANEL RAPID ASSESSMENT STUDIES ROUTINE DATA MEDIA MONITORING SBK KEY INFORMANT PANEL SCHOOL SURVEY Bergen Earlier Warning System (BEWS) model
Heroin trends in Bergen : use, market & interest indicator scores
RAPID ASSESSMENT & RESPONSE
Problem Initial consultation Steering/ reference group Project planning Assess problem Assess current responses Gap analysis Final consultation RAR report & action plan RAR PROCESS
RAR report – young people linked to opiate milieu Increase in number of young opiate users (16-22) Majority of young opiate users debut with synthetic opiates (Subutex/ Temgesic) Injection debut likely to be with amphetamine Many placements in childcare institutions….
RAR action plan Multi-agency response Concrete action plan Focus on youth service provision Improving staff competence etc ’Unplanned’ response…
Media & political response Overdose death & RAR report 3 weeks of media reporting Regional childcare director called in to answer to situation National govt – all staff to be trained in drug issues Political parties take up theme – call for ministers resignation Resignation of regional director Promise for national assessment re institutions and drugs
Rapid & policy relevant reporting Pragmatic approach - multi-indicator, mixed-method Rapid identification plus in-depth investigative option Bridging the gap from monitoring to action Involvement of policy makers – choosing focus, choosing interventions Integrated action planning, offering solutions.
SBK NATIONAL DRUG TRENDS NETWORK CITY EPOD/ EMCDDA NATIONAL PLAN