National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework: person-centred care in the addiction services

Authors:Aoife Davey

Abstract Introduction: The National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework (2010) is a framework through which service providers can ensure that individuals affected by drug use can access a range of integrated options tailored to meet their needs and create for them an individual rehabilitation pathwayAn integrated model of rehabilitation means that the Service User’s specific needs are met through interventions which are not necessarily confined to drug-specific interventions. Each Service User will have a complexity of needs which will require support in some or all of the following areas:Drug specific interventionsHousing and tenancy support and independent livingMental/physical/intellectual disabilityGeneral health services and health promotionEmployment (incl. community employment), work placementsCommunity integration, social and recreational activitiesEducation and training, personal developmentJustice, law and criminal issues supportFamily support and childcareBudgeting and money managementTransition programmes (eg. structured pre-induction)AftercareNo one agency will be able to provide the range of supports that the service user needs. Therefore, through the NDRF process of comprehensive assessment, key working, care planning and case management, the specific need of the service user can be established and the services they require can be coordinated.Change management process, practice change, targetted population and stakeholders, timelineFollowing a pilot roll-out in ten sites, the NDRF was evaluated in 2013 and is now being implemented nationally in services who work with drug-using individuals. The change management process has included the following:Nomination of local rehabilitation drivers through the Drug and Alcohol Task ForcesInclusion in the National Drug Treatment Reporting SystemInclusion in the HSE Operation Plan as a national key performance indicatorInclusion in service level agreements between the HSE and section 39 funded projectsInclusion as sample evidence in the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare workbooks for the Addiction ServicesHighlights: Achievements to date include:Development and sharing of protocols and resources online and through the rehabilitation drivers networkDevelopment of shared assessment criteria and referral pathways in a number of Drug and Alcohol Task Force areasLocal memorandum of understanding between services in Drug and Alcohol Task Forces on referral processesPlanned development of a competency framework for staff who work with drug-using clients, in collaboration with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and HSE Mental HealthDevelopment of competency based training resourcesUnder the NDRF, the Service User can expect person-centred care, consistency of care, integrated care based on assessed need, individualised care plan and quality service provision.Sustainability and transferability: The NDRF is supported at a local level by the Drug and Alcohol Task Force through the nominated rehabilitation driver, and by sectors at a national level through representation on National Drug Rehabilitation Implementation Committee (NDRIC). The NDRF is supported by a national Coordinator within HSE Social Inclusion and by the National Oversight Forum on Drugs. The MOUs on referral processes in many areas and the successful implementation of shared assessments and referrals in the South are supported by the sharing of information, tools, policies, resources and training by the rehabilitation drivers through the national Coordinator.

Keywords:

national, continuum, person-centered, rehabilitation

How to Cite:

Davey A. National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework: person-centred care in the addiction services. International Journal of Integrated Care. 2017;17(5):A217.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.3527Published on 17th October 2017