Service needs of older people with drug problems (OPDP)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the service needs and aspirations of older people with drug problems (OPDP)
IRAS ID
203088
Contact name
Dave Liddell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Scottish Drugs Forum
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 4 days
Research summary
Scotland has an aging population of people with problem drug use that may have more complicated needs in the future. Previous research found particular issues around isolation, shame and stigma that prevent use of treatment services. Mental and physical health issues can be an issue. These complex needs may require a more focussed service response to improve treatment and quality of life. A Scottish Working Group on older drug users identified specific groups such as females, those based in rural settings and recent changes to the Welfare system which need to be considered.
As a result the Scottish Government has commissioned this research to gain a better understanding of older people with a drug problem (OPDP). This work will provide evidence based information for the working group looking at the needs of OPDP and in turn facilitate improved policy and practice in this area. Mixed methods research will be conducted in which both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected through questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Data will be collected by trained peer researchers in non-NHS agencies that provide services for drug users. Interviews will last up to 1 hour with the first 15 minutes collecting structured quantitative data and the remainder asking open qualitative questions. Quantitative data will be entered into SPSS for analysis and qualitative data analysed via thematic analysis. Data will be prepared into a report to inform future service planning and policy.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
16/NS/0036
Date of REC Opinion
5 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion