1. How to build an international network for education and training in harm reduction strategies and approaches; plans for preparing an evidence-based curriculum Harm Reduction 2008: IHRA’s 19 th International Conference “Towards a Global Approach” Joy Barlow MBE STRADA

2. WORKFORCE CURRICULUM CHALLENGES

3. Universal services Specialist drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services All signing from the same hymn sheet Who is the Workforce

4. Inpatient Detox and Residential Support Community Rehabilitation Prescribing Services Low Level Intervention Services Certificate in Higher Education – Drug and Alcohol Practice Universal Services Modular Training Courses Practice Development Postgraduate Certificate in Addiction Levels of Engagement STRADA Triangle Postgraduate Diploma/MSc

5. What is the appropriate curriculum? Prior considerations: Planning of the workforce Knowledge, skills and ability – confidence, competence and effectiveness

6. Features of the curriculum Awareness, recognition, assessment and referral Prevention and reduction of harm Routes to support recovery Practice skills Reflection on practice

7. Features of the curriculum “too often....work is undertaken with no analysis of problems and no theoretical base for practice. The consequence is that staff may be ill equipped to do the job, and have no framework for examining what goes on” (Beedell & Clough 1992 p.1)

8. Donald Schon Learning Theorist and Philosopher “Even when (the worker) makes the conscious use of research-based theories and techniques, he is dependent upon tacit recognition, judgements and skilful performances” (Schon 1983. 50)

9. Other features of the curriculum Equality and diversity – issues of discrimination and stigma Organisational factors/cultural context

10. Competencies UK – Drugs & Alcohol National Occupational Standards Examples:  Support individuals who are substance users  Supply and exchange injecting equipment  Employ techniques to help people to adopt sensible drinking  Counsel individuals about their substance use

11. Overarching Principles Beliefs attitudes and values Etiology of substance misuse

12. Determination of an evidence-based curriculum Training Needs Analysis REVIEW AGREE PRIORITIES FOR LEARNING UNDERTAKE TNA DEVELOP TRAINING/LEARNING PLAN DELIVER LEARNING

13. Challenges Voice of service users Practitioners Manager/employers Commissioners Education and training providers

14. Conclusion Building of a network What would an evidence-based curriculum look like from your perspective?

15. Curriculum should be based upon: Objectives Syllabus Methods Practical experience Assessment

16. The Meditations from Marcus Aurelius “Living, dying and the good life” “Your actions and perceptions need to aim: At accomplishing practical ends At the exercise of thought At maintaining a confidence founded on understanding” (Book 10.9)

17. STRADA contact details are:  Email: strada@gla.ac.uk  Phone: 0141 330 2335  Website: www.projectstrada.org