European facility survey questioner (EFSQ) for Palestinian substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities.

The EFSQ was conducted by the EMCDDA in collaboration with focal points from the narcotic department at the Palestinian Ministry of health, after the minister of health approval. Arabic version was translated from English, all remarks were discussed and adjusted to ensure the questionnaire is compatible with the Palestinian Treatment Protocol.

A list of SUD treatment facilities was prepared by the Narcotic Department at the M.o.H. An email was sent to them, explaining the purpose of the survey, and to obtain consent from them for participation. An introductory workshop was held for the 18 Participating facilities. Soft copies of Arabic & English versions were sent via email.

The facilities were from different program types, inpatient centers ( one governmental center & 3 Private centers), one outpatient governmental center for Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT), and 13 governmental Despancing Stations in 12 Districts.

A period of one month was given to the facilities to respond to the EFSQ questionnaire.

A total of 13 responses were received which 86.6% rate. In Palestine, treatment facilities provide different types of SUD services, Outpatients’ services included OAT, & psychosocial treatment. While inpatient treatment included detoxification and rehabilitation. Out of 13 responding facilities, 11 were outpatient, and 2 were inpatient treatment facilities. The majority were outpatients facilities, 84.6% from the total sample. The findings provided an insight into the needs and challenges faced in SUD services. Some treatment facilities benefit from greater availability of treatment types, some have a lack of availability of treatment facilities which was a major barrier for treatment accessibility. Also, the limited coverage represents a major barrier to accessibility. An additional limitation was the lack of a naloxone overdose program. This can be addressed by providing proper training to additional specialists.