Module 3

After studying this module you will:

1. Understand the importance of monitoring and evaluating DCRs to ensure their effectiveness and legitimacy.
2. Recognize the role of DCRs as evidence-based interventions and review research findings that support their use.
3. Identify emerging trends and innovations in the field of DCRs, including new routes of drug consumption and specialized services for different populations.
4. Address and dispel common myths and misconceptions about DCRs with factual information.

Monitoring and sharing information on DCR

Various agencies and institutions monitor and evaluate Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs). These include:

1. Local Health Departments: in many cities, local health departments oversee the operation of DCRs to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
2. National Health Agencies: Agencies such as the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK or the Robert Koch Institute in Germany often play a role in monitoring public health initiatives, including DCRs.
3. European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA): this EU agency provides information on drug use and its consequences, including monitoring and reporting on DCRs across Europe.
4. World Health Organization (WHO): while not directly monitoring, WHO provides guidelines and frameworks for harm reduction practices, including the operation of DCRs.
5. Correlation - European Harm Reduction Network: this network specifically coordinates and supports DCRs in Europe, providing a platform for information exchange and monitoring practices.
6. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): organizations like Harm Reduction International often monitor and report on the effectiveness and policies related to DCRs.
7. Academic Institutions: universities and research institutes frequently conduct studies and evaluations of DCRs to assess their impact on public health and safety.
8. Municipal Governments: in cities where DCRs operate, local governments often have dedicated agencies or departments that oversee their operation and compliance with regulations.

It is also worth mentioning the work of The International Network of Drug Consumption Rooms (INDCR), and the European Network of Drug Consumption Rooms (ENDCR).

The International Network of Drug Consumption Rooms (INDCR), coordinated by Correlation - European Harm Reduction Network, was established in 2011 to share knowledge and experience about supervised drug use. INDCR's goals are to increase access to Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) and improve their quality by using scientific evidence and the expertise of service providers and drug users.

Specifically, INDCR aims to:

• Provide guidance and training for DCRs.
• Foster mutual support among organizations running or planning DCRs.
• Facilitate exchanges between service providers, drug users, and policymakers.
• Support research on DCR access and quality.
• Monitor developments and policies to support advocacy at all levels.

The network's website offers information about DCRs, scientific evidence, and key resources. INDCR promotes the sharing of practical experiences among DCR managers through online meetings and events and supports scientific research, including global surveys and examples of good practice.

To address specific needs and challenges in Europe, the European Network of Drug Consumption Rooms (ENDCR) was created in 2023. The ENDCR is a member-based platform bringing together organizations that run or plan to set up drug consumption rooms in Europe. Its goal is to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of these services.

Hosted and coordinated by Correlation - European Harm Reduction Network, the ENDCR is managed by a Core Group and works through various thematic Work Groups. ENDCR focuses on enhancing DCRs in Europe by supporting and organizing networking, research, capacity-building, knowledge exchange, and advocacy activities in collaboration with relevant European networks, organizations, and institutions.