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Engaging people who use drugs in policy and program development: a review of the literature

PoliciesPeople who use drugsInternational

Summary

Despite the global push for their involvement, PWUD faces stigma in participating in health policy and program development. The study highlights a critical need of more research and actions to address these challenges.

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Key Findings

Including PWLE or ‘peers’ at various stages of policy, program, and research development brings positive health outcomes as it helps to improve and make the service more relevant. Although the impact is positive, there is little to no evidence on peer engagement among PWUD recorded in literatures. The paper aims to conduct database search regarding this matter. Themes that were discovered include challenges and barriers in involving PWLE in policy making decisions, success in programs and interventions involving PWUD, and increasing engagement of PWUD in policy and program decisions. Overcoming barriers such as stigmatization, criminalization and discrimination are crucial to be able to involve peers. Coverage of literature regarding involvement of PWLE and the impact that they’re making should be increased. Additionally, more funding and resources should be allocated.

Key findings related to emerging/promising principles for engaging PWLLE:

  • There is a gap in literature regarding involvement of PWUD in policy and program development
  • The gap may be caused by the topic not been published in searchable peer-reviewed literature
  • Stigma has to be minimized to improve PWUD collaboration
  • There is less attention regarding involvement of peers in upstream levels of policy and program development

Key findings related to emerging/promising practices for engaging PWLLE:

  • Publish literature covering involvement of PWUD
  • Alternate version of non-academic literature can be published within publicly indexed academic journals
  • Referencing non-academic literature within searchable literature to add information regarding involvement of PWUD

Key Findings Related Implementation Approaches:

Changes in these areas should be implemented:

  • Adding non-academic literature to peer-reviewed literature
  • Involving peers in upstream levels of policy and program development
  • Increase financial supports for organizations to involve peers