Certificate in the Management of Problem Drug Use

Certificate Overview


RCGP Scotland has re-launched it's well-regarded two-part course designed to assist primary care professionals help and care for people affected by drug use. The revised course focuses on a holistic approach to helping people who use drugs, their families and communities, including new priorities and changes in management and treatment. The ethos of the course is to promote reducing harm and drug deaths within a recovery focused framework.


RCGP Scotland has received funding from the Scottish Government to deliver this certificate at a heavily subsidised rate for primary care professionals working in Scotland. Building on the success of the previous courses, this updated certificate reflects the changing picture of problem drug use in Scotland and new priorities in management and treatment.


Part One consists of the completion of two short e-modules provided by Scottish Drugs Forum and two half day online sessions for people working at a generalist level and those intending to provide treatment as part of a locally or nationally enhanced service. This can be completed in isolation or used as an introduction to Part Two.


Part Two aims to allow participants to develop additional competencies relevant to, and suitable for, care and treatment interventions at a specialist level. Participants must complete Part One (or an equivalent qualification) prior to applying for Part Two.


Target audience:

This course is open to all professionals working in Primary Care in Scotland including, but not limited to:

  • GPs
  • Practice/Community Nursing Staff
  • Pharmacists
  • Prison healthcare staff
  • Third sector Workers in clinical settings
  • Allied Health Professionals



Part One

Suitable for those working at a generalist level and those intending to provide treatment as part of a locally or nationally enhanced service.  Part One includes completion of a national e-module followed by two half day interactive online sessions. This is an introduction to the certificate and can be taken as a standalone course or as a prelude to Part Two. Those who have already completed Part One (or an equivalent qualification) can apply directly for Part Two.


The next courses will take place:  


January 2024

Friday 12 January - 09:30 - 13:30

Friday 19 January - 09:30 - 13:30

Book Now - January 2024


Cost: £50


Aim

To support the aims of the new Scottish Drugs strategy – Harm reduction, Reduce Stigma, Drug Death Prevention. In addition, the course will introduce participants to the basic principles of care for people who use drugs.


Objectives

Participants will gain knowledge of practical harm reduction, drug death prevention, medication assisted treatment (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine), support for families and children and recovery journeys.



Part Two

The next Certificate will be delivered over six months from March 2024 – October 2024

Cost: £200

Applications now open


How to apply:
There is an application process for the Part Two course, due to a limited number of places. To apply, please complete the short online application.
The closing date for applications is 26 January 2024. You will be notified of the outcome of you application on or before the closing date.  Payment instructions will then be provided by email.


Part Two Course Overview

Available to people who have completed the Part One (or an approved equivalent) this is an in depth course delivered over 6 months using tutor led small groups to encourage self -directed learning and change in practice in the field of care for people affected by drug use.


The course is equivalent to 55 hours of CPD over 6 months including attendance on online sessions and tutor led sessions as well as self-directed learning and Quality Improvement activities. The course is assessed by submission of a portfolio of evidence and discussion about this with the personal tutor. The Certificate is awarded when this submission is assessed by the examination panel.


Undertaking the Part 2 is a rewarding, but significant commitment and participants must be confident that they will be able to complete the work before enrolling. Where appropriate support from line management should be sought to allow designated time to complete the work.


Aim

Part Two aims to allow participants to develop additional competencies relevant to, and suitable for, care and treatment interventions at a specialist level. Completion of this Certificate will equip participants to be competent in the holistic management of people affected by drug use in their clinical setting.


Objectives

Participants will gain in depth knowledge of evidence-based management of people with problem drug and their families with an emphasis on incorporating this into their practice. Areas covered will including prescribing medication assisted treatment, delivering harm reduction interventions, recognising and managing risk of drug related death, supporting families and protecting children, managing multi-morbidity in people who use drugs and supporting the recovery journey.


Methods

  • Participants will attend virtual and tutor led half day sessions (4)
  • Use significant research papers to inform prepare a presentation for their tutor group
  • Produce a 1500 word essay on a chosen topic
  • Undertake a Quality Improvement (QI) activity in their practice and arrange a virtual field visit to another organisation working in the field

Provisional Course timetable