The impact of treatment demand data on policy and practice

Hamish Sinclair & Jean LongDrug Misuse Research Division

Health Research BoardIreland

Richard MuscatNational Drug Commission

Ministry of Social PolicyMalta

Jacek SekiewiczTherapy Centre for Drug Addiction

Poland

Research Policy Practice

Dynamic Model

Pompidou Group

Policy & PracticeResearch

Work Programme 2004-2006

Research Platform

Objectives

Signal developments in the use of data and research in policy and practice

Identify priorities and needs and develop strategies for research

Focus of the Pompidou Group in the area of treatment demand overtime

Data collection

Data analysis &

interpretation

Use of data for policy & practice

The value of treatment demand data

1. Direct indicator of demand on services

2. Indirect indicator of drug misuse trends

3. Basis for more detailed studies

Pompidou Group Definitive Protocol (1994) pages 5-6

Review how treatment demand (TD) data have been used to help influence policy and practice.

Project Objectives

Identify examples (case studies) of where TD data have been used to help develop evidence-based policies and practices.

Develop a process whereby policy-makers, practitioners and researchers can make better use, in the future, of TD data to help develop evidence-based policies and practices

Have TD data been used in the past to help influence policy formulation and practice development?

If yes,

Research Questions

Is there documentary evidence to establish the link between the use of TD data and the subsequent formulation of policy and/or practice development?

If yes,

Based on the documentary evidence, can case studies be written up which clearly describe how TD data were used and how they impacted on policy formulation and/or practice development?

Research Questions

Can common themes be found in these case studies to inform the future use of TD data to help develop evidence-based policies and practices?

Working Method

Combination of techniques:literature review; consultations with key experts; develop case histories; and identify the policy uses of TD data.

It is proposed to use of existing networks of treatment demand experts to assist in this process, namely:

•PG •EMCDDA’s Reitox (Focal Point) network.

Example Case Study

The use of treatment demand data in the establishment of Local Drugs Task Forces in

Dublin, Ireland

Research Policy Practice

Dublin Treatment Reporting System (1990)

Annual treatment demand reports

Provide ongoing information to facilitate the understanding of the epidemiology of treated drug misuse and to provide data useful to policy makers on the health care and social implications of drug misuse.

Research Policy Practice

Ministerial Task Force (1996)

Review the present measures to reduce the demand for drugs and, in the light of that review, recommend any changes in policy, legislation or practice to facilitate more effective reduction strategies.

Research Policy Practice

Research Policy Practice

To provide a strategic, locally-based, integrated response in the areas where the drug problem is most severe.

Local Drugs Task Forces (1997)

If you wish to contribute in the project, please contact, hsinclair@hrb.ie