DOH is already working on converting their face to face trainings into webinars.
In terms of screening, Dr. Ali and his team have developed a web-based learning for health and welfare professionals that can do step by step through a video tutorial on how to use ASSIST and how to do the intervention.
Yes although ASSIST is originally validated for adults but there have been research groups who have used them in youth and children. It has been used in school-based settings. The CRAFFT screening tool can also be used. It is designed to screen for substance-related risks and problems among minors.
ASSIST is developed for the WHO and a lot of settings that wanted to use the instrument but found that it was taking too much time to administer it. ASSIST LITE was developed for emergency room settings and anti-natal clinics. In using ASSIST Lite, one does not do brief intervention but provide advice. It’s much shorter and works good for the people in the moderate risk range. ASSIST Lite but it needs to be supported by self-help material. That’s the main difference.
Yes, you can use it in aftercare. One of the nice things of the ASSIST is that it can be used as a repeat measure. What that means is that every 3 months, you can re-administer the ASSIST and see if there has been a change in score. That gives you a sense of how things are going. That also gives the person a sense of how things are going.
Yes as long as the tool we are using is able to identify the risk level of our PWUDs. If they are low risk, moderate risk, or high risk so that appropriate intervention can be provided.
The final version of full ASSIST in Tagalog is still being finalized. Another one in Bisaya is also being translated. It would be necessary to be trained on how to use these screening tools.
Yes, because you need to understand the client and the reason behind the preference for a gender specific interviewer so you can adjust accordingly to the specific request.
Remember that the person may be in the precontemplation stage, wherein he doesn’t think he or she needs intervention. Once the PWUD contemplates and see the problems brought about by drug use, he or she will remember you. You just need to be very patient with the client and accommodated him or her so that person will come back again.
The client may be asked to go for orientation first before the screening. In the case of Cagayan De Oro, this is what they do. They teach the client the benefit they will get from the program. They also acknowledge the client’s right to refuse but gives the client the opportunity to help when the client realizes the need to go for screening and treatment.
It will depend on how long the client is absent. Asked the client for being absent. Be always welcoming to these people who would go back. in such cases, there will be another screening and assessment. The level of risk may already be different so different intervention may also be needed.
The approach would be through information campaign and proper education. The aim of CBDR is to have an enabling environment, which is less stigmatizing and not punitive in nature. If services are available in the community, and then they are supported by their families, their friends, even the service providers, this would encourage PWUDs to seek help. This process is not overnight.
This would be possible. Malabon needs to coordinate with DOH for connectivity concerns. DOH can also refer to Malabon should they receive Malabon callers.
There will be but is currently limited with the COVID 19 pandemic.