Abstract
The First Step programme is a new approach to needle and syringe exchange services established to help intravenous drug users reduce harmful drug use behaviours, provide psychoeducation and act as a point of transition enhancing access to other health and community services. The First Step assertive treatment approach was implemented in a medium-sized community area health service and evaluated over an 18-month period. A pilot evaluation of staff training was also conducted, demonstrating a significant improvement in staff skills in assertive outreach, needs assessment, engagement, psychoeducation and referral. Measures of drug-related harm showed the benefits of new early engagement-enhancing psychoeducational interventions, with increases in needles distributed and returned and greater referrals to drug and alcohol and other health services. Training needle and syringe workers towards a more assertive community outreach role gives them the ability to provide psychoeducation and harm minimization strategies and act as a conduit for intravenous drug users to enter treatment. [Hudoba M, Grenyer BFS, O'Toole M. Development of an enhanced needle and syringe programme: the First Step programme pilot. Drug Alcohol Rev 2004;23:295–297]
Michelle Hudoba, Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, Brin f. S. Grenyer, Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, Miriam O'Toole, Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia. Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
Michelle Hudoba, Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, Brin f. S. Grenyer, Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, Miriam O'Toole, Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia. Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.