Regional Drug User Services in Times of Scarce Financial Resources: Using a Rapid Assessment Response Approach to Evaluate, Plan, and Prioritize Essential Services

Abstract

The objective was to assess need, evaluate projects, and devise a roadmap for future provision given budget cuts. The analysis of 30 substance misuse services in towns and rural areas of Ireland was conducted in 2010. Analysis revealed that 24,315 (95% CI 12,928-40,629) individuals were using illegal drugs in 2006, 893 individuals were using opiates, opiate and cocaine use was increasing as was drug use amongst females. Evaluations demonstrated that not all services were meeting emerging needs, services lacked administrative support, and funding needed to be redirected. The RAR approach was useful for policy decisions and budget cuts in times of economic restraint.

Situational prevention and public transport crime in El Salvador

“…When working in developing economies, public health practitioners have used rapid assessment methodologies (RAM) to obtain the data needed to assist decision-making about appropriate interventions (Beebe 2001;Trotter et al 2001;Stimson et al 2001;Fitch et al 2004;McDonald 2005;Comiskey et al 2012;Van Hout et al 2013). RAM assists in identifying high risk populations, places, or sectors that need targeted interventions that will bring the most benefit.…”

Determinants of Substance Abuse Among High Abusers of Drugs in Ondo State Universities

“…Adolescents are influenced by their parents' drug use. Parents who struggle with substance misuse often have other social problems (Comiskey et al, 2012).…”

Crime in developing countries: the contribution of crime science

“…The same is true of drug researchers when dealing with emerging drug abuse and its consequences in developing countries. The solution frequently adopted by these scientists is to make use of rapid assessment methodologies (RAM) to obtain the data needed to assist decision-making about appropriate interventions (UNDCP 1999;Beebe 2001;Trotter et al 2001;Stimson et al 2003Stimson et al , 2006Fitch et al 2004;McDonald 2005;Comiskey et al 2011Comiskey et al , 2012Van Hout and Bingham 2013). Using a mix of largely qualitative methods (Stimson et al 1999), RAM assists in identifying high risk populations, places, or sectors that need targeted interventions that will bring the most benefit.…”