Primary care as a key resource for access to the Needle and Syringe Program

Thursday, 24 November, 2022 - 09:00 to 19:30

Abstract

Since the heroin epidemic in the 80s and 90s in Catalonia, the prevalence of HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) has significantly declined; although HIV antibodies (33,3%) such as HCV (74%) remain high.

Guaranteeing accessibility and wide coverage of the Catalan Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) is key to preventing behavioural risks for contracting HIV and HVC. With this objective, the Catalan Government has developed an implementation plan for NSP within the Primary Health Care Areas (PHCA). The Catalan NSP program began in 1991, mainly in pharmacies and drug treatment centres.

An implementation plan was designed which included a prioritization map of the PHCA, the establishment of territorial support teams for the program that provided training, a guide for professionals, and the provision of materials for implementing NSP.

The following process indicators were collected: the number of core areas prioritized, the number of support teams established, training undertaken and professionals trained. Outcome indicators were the number of PHCA implementing NSP. To identify problems in the program, acceptability by professionals was evaluated and the program was monitored during implementation.

A total of 285 PHCA were prioritized and 18 support teams were established. During 2017-2021, 188 trainings were provided to 3817 primary care professionals and the number of primary care centres participating in the program grew 151% (from 75 to 188). We also observed a tendency towards increased coverage of syringes by user.

The results are still being analysed, however, they indicate good acceptability of NSP in the PHCA, although there have been some issues with monitoring. A key element identified for successful implementation has been the role of the support teams. The activities within the PHCA seem to have contributed to better access and to overcoming barriers, facilitating the incorporation of PWID into the network of health services.

Speakers

Type

Part of session