In order to have a substantial impact on overdose prevention, public health programs must expand to reach as many relevant people as possible. Naloxone distribution programs are growing in size, yet limited information exists on how to best scale-up these programs. Most programs rely on staff providing a training course in addition to the distribution of naloxone to the recipients.
This study implemented a ‘train-the-trainer’ course for staff working at low-threshold facilities, which prepared them to distribute naloxone, the antidote to a heroin overdose. More than 500 staff were trained to be trainers, and their knowledge scores about naloxone and heroin overdoses improved after attending the course.
In addition, their attitudes towards distributing naloxone and their intention to train their clients improved. This model appears to be an effective and efficient way to train a large volume of staff when scaling up naloxone distribution programs.
Existing staff in drug treatment services are viewed as an important resource in the distribution of naloxone to drug users, to reduce the number of overdose deaths
Link to paper:
http://www.drugandalcoholdependence.com/article/S0376-8716%2816%2930034-5/abstract