| Project Objectives / Summary:
To determine the best model for offering services to young people with alcohol and other drug issues.
The following actions were undertaken:
- A comprehensive literature review of published and unpublished information, including policy documents in Youth Alcohol and other Drug issues.
- Face-to-face interviews with 20 GPs including a combination of those who have specifically expressed an interest in training, those who are youth interested, and other Division GPs. Face-to-face interviews with key representatives from local agencies who deal with young people.
- A series of focus groups with young people.
General Practitioners (GPs) are highly accessible in the community and are ideally positioned to provide young people with information and support in dealing with alcohol and other drug issues. However there are barriers to the management of young people with complex problems in General Practice. Some of these may be minimised by the provision of better support to GPs.
There are a number of other services which provide services to young people with problems related to alcohol and other drugs. There is a need to provide better linkages between service providers and to develop models of integrated care which offer a range of care options to the young person and better support for the GP and other providers of care. As the responsibility for drug use rests with the young person, the type of intervention is determined by the young person.
The role of the GP may include primary prevention, early intervention, harm reduction or ongoing coordination and management of a young person's drug issues. GPs identify a need for increased knowledge and skills in relation to alcohol and other drugs. Previous experience of the development of Youth Friendly GPs demonstrates when GP education includes the introduction of resource services increased use of those services as well as better communication between providers can occur.
The improvement of linkages will ensure access to other providers so as to facilitate a holistic approach to the young person's problem that provides the best possible outcome for the young person.
As a result of a literature review, a model of GP education and the establishment of principles and method of communication was proposed involving all key stakeholders. Focus groups were then used to determine the acceptability of the model. Key stakeholders interviewed included young people, GPs and the relevant service providers. All expressed a willingness to participate in an integrated model of care.
In addition, agreement was sought between GPs and key agencies on referral procedures, the management of consent and information sharing as well as formal feedback procedures following referral.
Collaboration:
Next Step, Specialist Drug & Alcohol Services
Project Outcomes:
The final model that resulted from the project covers the following areas:
- GP role - to offer access to health care for young people with young persons making their own decisions about options offered.
- GP education - a recommended series of 8 GP education sessions using the Next Steps support program to develop the training package.
- Access to service for young people - access to a shared care program thorough general practice, key youth and A&OD agencies, schools and other community programs.
- Communication between providers.
- Division role - coordination of training.
- Funding - funding for training obtained through other sources.
Lessons / Assessment:
- Through Osborne Division's involvement in a number of programs in Youth, Mental Health and Alcohol and other Drugs the need to develop an integrated approach to alcohol and other drug services for young people was identified.
- The need to engage young people who fell into the gaps between services was highlighted as well as the need to improve communication between services.
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