Vocational training in the field of illicit drug dependence: equipping health professionals with competences and methods for addiction treatment

Project objectives and expected results:

1: To contribute to the development of competences in illicit drug dependence counselling related to screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment and to respond to current, emerging and growing needs of the vocational training sector in addressing the shortage of addiction professionals. The first objective will be achieved by examining training programmes in addiction diseases, assessing their effectiveness and analysing gaps in training needs/supplies. A multi-site study will also be carried out to analyse the training needs of healthcare workers and patients in the six participating countries. Combining the literature review with evidence-based findings on perceived training needs will make existing programmes more relevant, effective and acceptable to both providers and patients. Concrete outputs will include one systematic review of training opportunities in addiction in the EU, twelve national reports addressing the need in the field of addiction; one cross-national consolidated report that will provide insights into the training gap, explain the differences between countries and the differences between countries in terms of the institutional environment and policies, and provide core competences for improving skills in addiction counselling.

2: Provide opportunities for continuous professional development in health and enable the building of human capital capacity and employability of health workers. The second objective will be achieved through the design and implementation of a joint multi-stakeholder blended capacity building programme for health professionals; based on non-formal learning methodologies and a competency framework aligned with the EQF and compatible with the ECVET. The training programme will help health workers in the six participating countries and beyond to better adapt to the needs of survivors, to develop their competences, to be non-judgemental and to overcome barriers and obstacles in their work.

3: Enable collaboration between educational institutions and health authorities to make meaningful recommendations on the development of the addiction skill set and related job opportunities. The third objective will be achieved through targeted dissemination activities, including six information days and the formulation of six national policy briefs, to publicise the results of the project and to initiate a close dialogue between health professionals, public actors and civil society organisations on the need to invest in appropriate addiction disease training and to prepare health workers to work with patients with SUD.