Workshop on conducting drug research in prison: Challenges and key recommendations from the European experience

Background
This hands-on and participatory workshop addresses the intricate landscape of conducting drug research and monitoring within prison settings. It emphasizes the challenges and key recommendations from the outcome of the EU funded project PRS20, the EMCDDA working group on prison and REITOX network, together with the successful training academy organised in June 2023 in Cyprus. The PRS20 project involved five countries, aiming at implementing the EMCDDA tools, including the European Questionnaire on Drug Use among People living in prison (EQDP), in order to assess the needs related to drug use of people living in prison (PLP) and those released. The workshop highlights the need for evidence and research inside prison, comparability across countries and capacity-building

Methods
Structured as an interactive and practice-oriented forum, the workshop will feature a dynamic session led by the PRS20 Consortium, the Reitox network and the EMCDDA, who have conducted drug studies in European prisons. Following a general presentation about the main methodological and ethical aspects of conducting drug research in prison settings, participants will engage in groups to discuss about: preparing research in prison, methods, ethics, and implementation. Each group will focus on different topics, guided by key questions or statements. The purpose is to discuss about potential options for implementing drug research in prison, promoting problem-solving and learning from each other. Following the group work, the participants will present their work in the final Keynote presentation session. 

Results
Through an interactive session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges in conducting drug research in prisons, including preparation, ethical considerations, methods (participant recruitment strategies, data collection methods,) and implementation. The workshop method will focus on cultivating practical skills in the preparation of drug research in prison settings, study design, the implementation of the EMCDDA tools, data protection and ethical challenges of conducting research in prison. Examples from European countries will be shared, highlighting successful approaches and lessons learned. Participants will actively contribute to the identification of key recommendations for addressing challenges and enhancing the quality and ethicality of drug research in prisons.

Conclusions
The workshop will conclude with a collective synthesis of insights and practical strategies. The final key recommendations will be consolidated ito support researchers in implementing drug research and monitoring in prison. Participants will leave the workshop with theoretical input and practical and methodological resources to apply in their drugs and prison research. The workshop aims to be a platform for capacity-building, fostering a community of researchers better equipped to conduct sound drug research within the context of prisons.

* European drug monitoring in prison/EMCDDA