Overdose detection and responder alert technologies: transforming preventative care for those most at risk of drug-related death

We are proposing two posts working in parallel across these organisations to make best use of existing expertise and strengths within (1) the South East Scotland Innovation group that has established links to a medical school with specialism in telehealth, and (2) a Higher Educational Institution that hosts a leading substance use research centre and the DRNS. The funder will pay NHS Fife and U of Stirling separately. This proposal relates to the Stirling-led workstreams and full project objectives are provided here for information.

This project aims to undertake activities to progress the development, testing, review and roll-out of technological solutions to reduce overdose and drug-related deaths among people who use drugs in Scotland.

Roles and responsibilities for these posts include: NHS Fife Overdose Prevention and Detection Technology Project Manager: • Lead on the System to detect onset of overdose and generate alerts and the Remote addiction consultation workstreams. • Provide project management for the project overall. • Engage with NHS and academic clinicians to ensure appropriate clinical contribution to solution development and regulatory requirements (in partnership with NHS Fife, University of St Andrews School of Medicine, and Scottish clinical networks). • Ensure project activities meet medical device and other relevant standards and guidance. • Chair the DRNS Telehealth Group.

University of Stirling Overdose Prevention and Detection Technology Research Fellow: • Lead on the Overdose first responder application and Community provision of naloxbox workstreams. • Provide academic support for the project including evaluation methodologies, implementation science, qualitative and quantitative work to assess acceptability and outcomes. • Identify relevant funding schemes and lead on bid development to secure resources to progress workplans and ensure sustainability beyond the end of the project. • Lead on knowledge exchange activities including publications in peer reviewed journals and policy briefings for Scottish Government. • Ensure meaningful involvement of people with lived/living experience of drug use and those affected by overdose / drug-related death throughout the project (in partnership with the Drugs Research Network for Scotland).

Both posts will: • Be responsible for developing a coherent detailed project workplan that includes priority actions for each of the project workstreams. • Provide monthly reports on progress to the project Steering Group and quarterly reports to the Digital Inclusion for Drug Related Death Prevention group. • Engage with existing and emerging suppliers of technological solutions relating to their workstreams to progress the adaptation, translation, piloting, and evaluation of their products in the Scottish context. • Actively monitor the market, health technology networks, and academic / clinical literature to identify emerging providers and solutions relevant to the workplan.