The Needle and Syringe Information Kit update

NDARC Staff

Kate Dolan and Ed Silins

Other Investigators

John Ryan (Anex)

Rationale

Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs) have been implemented in Australia since 1986. The existing NSP Information Kit provides a summary of the scientific evidence for NSPs in a quick-reference question and answer format. In a survey to evaluate the Kit, most respondents found it easy to understand, comprehensive, accurate and increased their knowledge of NSPs. An attitude change towards support for NSPs was reported by one in twenty respondents.

Aims

Design and Method

A steering committee was formed to inform the project and included members from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (AGDHA), NSW Health, Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD), ANEX, Australian Intravenous League (AIVL) and the National Centre National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research (NCHECR). The design of the updated Kit remained the same as the 1986 version but incorporated a new colour scheme to distinguish it from the old version.

Output

The publications are as follows:

Dolan, K. MacDonald, M. & Silins, E. (2005). Needle and syringe programs: A review of the evidence. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

Dolan, K. & Silins, E. (2005). Needle and syringe programs: Your questions answered. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.