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Evidence-based practice or imperfect seduction? Developing capacity to respond effectively to drug-related problems
Steve J Allsop1, Clare F Stevens
1National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Australia. s.allsop@curtin.edu.au
Drug and Alcohol Review
|September 10, 2009
Summary
Effective practice in the drug field requires more than training; it necessitates addressing systemic barriers and negative attitudes. Workforce development must evolve to include organizational and environmental factors for lasting change.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Organizational Psychology
- Addiction Studies
Background:
- Significant investment in workforce development has occurred over recent decades.
- Challenges persist in establishing effective practice across diverse systems, particularly concerning alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use.
- Current strategies often overemphasize practitioner knowledge and skills, neglecting work environments and staff belief systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore barriers and facilitators to effective practice beyond traditional education and training.
- To examine a capacity-building model for informing workforce and organizational development strategies.
- To identify recommendations for overcoming challenges in developing and maintaining effective practice.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of barriers and facilitators impacting effective practice.
- Analysis of a capacity-building model as a framework for development.
- Review of existing workforce and organizational development strategies in the drug field.
Main Results:
- Numerous barriers exist outside of education and training that impede effective practice in prevention and treatment systems.
- A capacity-building model offers a template for comprehensive workforce and organizational development.
- Recommendations are provided to address identified challenges.
Conclusions:
- Effective practice development must extend beyond education and training to encompass organizational and system factors.
- Addressing the marginalization and stigmatizing attitudes towards individuals affected by drug use is crucial.
- Sustainable change requires modifying work structures and expected outcomes, not just individual behavior modification.
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