Go to Whoa

from GO to WHOA dissemination project

Background
The from GO to WHOA training package incorporates an interactive training session on psychostimulants. It was commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and developed by Turning Point with substantial input from a number of specialist clinicians, researchers and educators from across Australia. The Department of Health & Ageing has recently funded the national dissemination of this resource to assist in increasing skills and knowledge on psychostimulants which will enhance the capacity of a range of workers to provide appropriate interventions to psychostimulant users.

Project Aims
The aim of the project is to commence a national training program to assist health professionals such as medical practitioners, nurses and alcohol and drug workers to manage and treat users of psychostimulants.

Dissemination Model
An innovative dissemination model incorporating 3 distinct levels has been developed.

Level 1. A total of eight 2-day train the trainer courses on from GO to WHOA will be delivered across all states and territories. Turning Point staff will facilitate these courses. The target groups for theses courses are senior AOD clinicians and educators. Expressions of interest will be sought via a national communication process. Those with the strongest credentials and management support to contribute to Level 2 and Level 3 activities will be prioritised to attend these courses.

Level 2. A total of 24 1-day courses on from GO to WHOA will be delivered across Australia. The target groups for these courses are AOD workers, GPs, Nurses and other health professionals. These courses will be funded and coordinated by Turning Point but facilitated by senior clinicians and educators trained during Level 1 activities. Organisations releasing their staff to take on this training function will be reimbursed at a set daily rate to cover their salary and associated cost.

Level 3. Level 2 activities will provide training opportunities for up to 480 health workers to access the from GO to WHOA training courses. Many of these workers will require additional support to embed the knowledge and skills obtained during the course. Level 3 activities include the development of an online portal specifically for these 480 workers to assist with their ongoing learning and provide encouragement and support as they put into practice new information or techniques. In addition to this online support, a small number of post training support worker roles will be established in each state or territory to provide mentoring and support at a local level. This will be provided via face-to-face contact and telephone support. It is intended that those who provide the training during Level 2 activities will provide the post training support. Organisations releasing their staff to take on this post training support function will be reimbursed at a set rate to cover their salary, associated costs, travel and organisational costs.

Enquiries
Enquiries can be directed to Kieran Connolly on (03) 8413 8704 or kieranc@turningpoint.org.au if required.

Registration
Level 1 activities are now complete. To download a flyer and registration form for Level 2 activities please select which State or Territory below that you wish to attend for the training.

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URL: http://www.turningpoint.org.au
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