1. Keeping on target – the need for more rapid and policy relevant reporting Jane Mounteney Bergen Clinics Foundation/ University of Bergen

2. Early identification and rapid reporting of new drug developments allows for early intervention

3. Rapid reporting – the ’speed’ problem Slow reporting systems Levels of bureaucracy Lengthy research processes New codes Collation/ communication gap

4. 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.

5. 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)

6. Model - rapid identification and response to emerging drug trends SBK City level drug monitoring system – early identification Rapid assessment & response capability – early intervention

7. Combination of two methods Monitoring & rapid assessment: Identification of emerging drug trends In-depth investigation of worrying findings Multi-agency action planning

8. SCHOOL PANEL RAPID ASSESSMENT STUDIES ROUTINE DATA MEDIA MONITORING SBK KEY INFORMANT PANEL SCHOOL SURVEY Bergen Earlier Warning System (BEWS) model

9. Heroin trends in Bergen 2002-2009: use, market & interest indicator scores

10. RAPID ASSESSMENT & RESPONSE

11. Problem Initial consultation Steering/ reference group Project planning Assess problem Assess current responses Gap analysis Final consultation RAR report & action plan RAR PROCESS

12. 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….

13. RAR action plan Multi-agency response Concrete action plan Focus on youth service provision Improving staff competence etc ’Unplanned’ response…

14. 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

15. 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.

16. SBK NATIONAL DRUG TRENDS NETWORK CITY EPOD/ EMCDDA NATIONAL PLAN