Evaluation of drug consumption rooms: guidance step by step

Background: Research evaluating the effectiveness and impact of Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) is crucial in informing the design and establishment of future facilities and ensuring the acceptability and sustainability of current ones. Nonetheless, there is still a significant lack of evaluation studies, and the most frequent study designs in the field have inherent limitations. The use of standardized definitions, terminology and principles is commonplace in the monitoring and evaluation of hospitals, medical consultations and other health and social services. However, applications to harm reduction are scarce. In the context of DCRs, the wide heterogeneity in definitions and reported outcome measures, as well as in the terminology and methods used, compromises the comparability and strong generalization of results. Reaching agreement is crucial if the evidence base in this area is to become more robust.

Aim: The workshop aims to equip attendees with tools, practical skills and relevant knowledge to support the planning and implementation of comprehensive evaluations of DCRs in Europe. By fostering professional knowledge exchange and enhancing collaboration among frontline workers, academics and researchers, students, policymakers, and other related professionals, the workshop aims to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and improve the effectiveness and impact of DCR services, ultimately advancing harm reduction efforts and public health outcomes.

Method and format: The workshop will utilize the “Guide for Evaluation of Drug Consumption Rooms: 7 steps to an evaluation plan”, developed by the EMCDDA in cooperation with the ENDCR and C-EHRN, as its foundational framework. Participants will receive an overview of various evaluation types and their main designs. The workshop structure includes:1. A 10-minute introduction to the workshop, including a short overview of the current landscape of DCR monitoring and evaluation in Europe.2. Four 10-minute presentations highlighting the guide's key content and sharing DCR evaluation experiences from Porto, Barcelona, and Liege. 3. A 30-minute interactive hands-on exercise, facilitated to encourage group discussions and practical application of evaluation concepts. 4. A concluding 10-minute Q&A session.

Expected outcomes and impact: After the workshop participants will have gained familiarity with various types of DCR evaluation, including their key scientific and technical principles, and main steps. The workshop, through presentations, interactive exercises and discussions, will provide attendees with tools, pertinent literature and case studies, enabling them to actively contribute to the effective planning of robust DCR evaluations.