2. Further ENhancing the Implementation of Quality Standards in drug demand reduction across Europe (FENIQS-EU) project – study objectives and first realisations

The FENIQS-EU project started in April 1st, 2020, will last for two years and is focusing on the actual application of Quality Standards (QS) in Europe and factors stimulating implementation. Partners are: Ghent University (Belgium), University of Zagreb (Croatia), Charles University (Czech Republic), Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 (France), and four pan-European networks: European Institute of Studies on Prevention, Correlation European Harm Reduction Network, European Treatment Centers for Drug Addiction, and European Federation of Addiction Societies, covering all EU Member States and DDR areas.

This presentation aims to introduce the FENIQS-EU project, which general objective is to enhance the implementation of Quality Standards (QS) in drug demand reduction (DDR) throughout the EU, with more services, organizations and countries applying QS in daily practice.

The project uses a mix-model approach. Online survey and interviews were conducted to get an insight into the QS implementation, case studies were used for describing inspiring practices, and Delphi method will be used to explore key factors for successful QS implementation.

The first step in this project was the assessment of QS application throughout the EU and inventory of implementation needs and challenges. A comprehensive country-by-country overview was made, and ‘inspiring practice’ examples of QS implementation were identified. The main project output will be a field-tested implementation toolkit, providing step-by-step guidance for individuals and organizations interested to implement QS.

QS are crucial to bridge the gap between science and practice. Actual application of QS and factors stimulating implementation will be further discussed during the structured session.