Healthwise Training Services

Aims

This programme aims to increase knowledge and develop understanding of the sensitive issues faced by women who use drugs during pregnancy, raising awareness of health and social issues facing women and the impact on their children. This includes developing knowledge and understanding on the care and protection of children.

It further aims to explore the barriers faced by women attempting to access services and identifiy methods to break these barriers down

Learning Objectives

On completion of the two day programme participants will be able to:

• Explore sensitive issues relating to women who choose to use substances during pregnancy
• Understand problems of drug use in the pre-conceptual, foetal, neonate and infant stages
• Investigate the complex issues associated with the care and protection of children with drug using parents
• Consider the potential barriers presented by service providers towards women who use drugs, and the implications
• Discuss social stigma and prejudice experienced by pregnant drug users
• Recognise implications of parental drug use and the potential impact on their children
• Highlight support services available for women who use drugs

Comments from previous participants on this course

• I now realise that the care and support network for mums and babies can be organised more effectively whilst still in hospital environment
• I will look at a woman as a woman with a drug problem. Not as a drug abuser – and be more sensitive to their problems and challenges in life. They need empathy, constructive help and support
• I hope to be more supportive with clients in the future helped by knowledge gained over last 2 days
• Excellent course – all health professionals should attend – mandatory!
• I will share my new knowledge with colleagues and in future will try and give a 100% input to clients

Drugs and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS)

This course supports the attainment of the following DANOS units:

AA1 Recognise indications of substance misuse and refer individuals to specialists

AA3 Enable individuals to find out about and use services and facilities

AA4 Promote people’s equality, diversity and rights

AB1 Support individuals when they are distressed

AB2 Support individuals who are substance users

AB5 Assess and act upon immediate risk of danger to substance users

AC1 Develop your own knowledge and practice

AC3 Contribute to the development of the knowledge and practice of others

AC4 Support and challenge workers on specific aspects of their practice

AD1 Raise awareness about substances, their use and effects

AD4 Develop and disseminate information and advice about substance use, health and social wellbeing

AF2 Carry out assessment to identify and prioritise need

AF3 Carry out comprehensive substance misuse assessment

AG1 Plan and agree service responses which meet individuals identified needs and circumstances

BA2 Establish strategies to guide the work of your organisation

This programme is aimed at those working directly with pregnant drug users, particularly midwives and those training to be midwives. It is also suitable for those working to support women drug users in a statutory, non-statutory or voluntary setting.

It assumes no previous knowledge of drugs on the part of the participant so will provide a basic understanding of categories of drugs, why people choose to use and consequences. It will serve as a refresher for those with this knowledge already and aims to provide new up-dated information for your organisation.

All participants completing this two day course will receive a certificate of attendance and a comprehensive portfolio of information for future reference in a binder.

To talk about commissioning this programme for your agency or for any enquiry please contact us or click here to e-mail your query

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