Guidelines for developing training materials

Training materials should be clear, concise, and accessible, using plain language suitable for individuals without a medical or scientific background. They should avoid heavy text and incorporate visual elements wherever possible. Ensuring that materials are based on high-quality, up-to-date information and aligned with local and national guidelines is essential. Additionally, it's important to consider the languages and dialects commonly spoken by participants, as providing materials in these languages can enhance accessibility.

The sequence of topics will vary depending on the format and purpose of the materials. For example, in presentation slides for a structured training session, starting with an introduction to naloxone followed by overdose management training may be appropriate. In contrast, for brief takeaway pamphlets, it’s best to begin with the most critical information, such as recognizing and responding to an overdose.

Essential elements of the training:

  • An introduction to naloxone.
  • Signs of an opioid overdose.
  • Instructions for reversing an overdose (with the recovery position and CPR and importance of calling an ambulance).
  • Factors that increase the risk of overdose.
  • Dispelling myths about overdose.
  • The role of the police in overdoses.

Who should be audience?

WHO [^1] suggest examples of people at higher risk of overdose:

  • people with opioid dependence, in particular those with reduced tolerance (following detoxification, release from incarceration, cessation of treatment)
  • people who inject opioids
  • people who use prescription opioids, in particular those on higher doses
  • people who use opioids in combination with other sedating substances
  • opioid users with other significant medical conditions (HIV, liver or lung disease, depression)
  • household members of people in possession of strong opioids

And examples of people likely to witness an overdose:

  • people at risk of an opioid overdose, their friends and families
  • people whose work brings them into contact with people who overdose (health care workers, police, emergency service workers, people providing accommodation to people who use drugs, peer education and outreach workers).

Examples of materials which are designed to help you set up a take-home naloxone programme in different community:

References:
  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Community management of opioid overdose. 2014.
Updated: 2024
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