Figure 8 specialises in providing consultancy services to organisations that are working to improve the quality of the services they provide to individuals with substance misuse problems. The services we offer range from in-depth evaluations of single agencies to systematic reviews of all commissioned services within one DAAT area.

Figure 8 provides agencies with constructive assessments incorporating all aspects of service planning, delivery and evaluation. We aim to build on the strengths of the services we work with and provide evidence-based solutions to address the overall performance of integrated working.

Figure 8 offers a variety of different ways of supporting organisations to achieve their goals:

• Work with individual agencies or multi-agency groups to develop protocols based on evidence of effective practice and available resources. Examples of this type of work carried out by Figure 8 include the establishment of prescribing protocols for detoxification on entering residential rehabilitation and the development of a multi-agency protocol for managing the care of people with mental health and substance misuse problems.
  

• Liaise with a range of practitioners to develop Integrated Care Pathways for specific populations or interventions. Previous work in this area has included initiating substitute prescribing for pregnant drug users, community support following alcohol detoxification and co-ordinating care for drug using parents.

• Conduct comprehensive service evaluations with individual agencies or across a number of different services adapted to suit our clients’ needs. By conducting service evaluations, Figure 8 is able to present service providers and commissioners with an objective measurement of the extent to which drug and alcohol agencies are delivering on their key objectives. We can then assist them in prioritising organisational development needs by preparing performance management action plans.

• Carry out feasibility studies for commissioners prior to investing in the development of new services. These studies would include a needs assessment, a review of current provision and an appraisal of different models of delivery.

• With a background in service provision and management in statutory and non-statutory organisations, the Figure 8 team are ideally placed to work with services over a period of time to facilitate a change management process. This approach to working fits perfectly with Figure 8’s core principle of ‘Evidence into Practice’.
  

Business consultancy projects we have undertaken include:

Protocol development:

• Development of Mental Health/Addictions Protocol (Grampian Leadership Group)
• Development of Mental Health/Addictions Protocol (West Dunbartonshire CHP)
• Development of National Protocols and Procedures for Detoxification (Phoenix Futures – formerly Phoenix House)

Integrated care pathways:

• Development of Integrated Care Pathway for the Identification and Management of Alcohol Problems in HMP Kilmarnock (HMP Kilmarnock)
• Development of Integrated Care Pathways for the identification and management of alcohol problems in Orkney (Orkney DASAT)
• Development of Integrated Care Pathways in Ayrshire (Ayrshire & Arran ADAT)
• Integrated Care for Drug or Alcohol Users: Principles and Practice Update (SACDM Working Group on Integrated Care)

Service evaluations:

• Evaluation of Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (NHS Lothian)
• Evaluation of Alcohol Problem Services in Aberdeen City (Aberdeen City Council)
• Evaluation of Commissioned Substance Misuse Services in East Lothian (East Lothian DAAT)
• Evaluation of Drug and Alcohol Services (Borders DAP)
• Evaluation of MDAAT Commissioned Substance Misuse Services (Midlothian DAAT)
• Evaluation of the Pathways into Work Initiative in Midlothian (Midlothian Training Services)
• Evaluation of Turning Point Scotland SEASTAR Service (NHS Ayrshire & Arran)
• Evaluative Review of Addiction and Mental Health Service Provision for a large Edinburgh-based Charity (Bethany Christian Trust)

Feasibility studies:

• Feasibility Study for the Provision of Short-Term Residential Care for People with Alcohol or Drug Dependency in Dunoon (Argyll & Bute DAT)
• Review of Drug and Alcohol Services for Young People in Midlothian (Midlothian DAAT)
• Review of Joint Management Arrangements in Health and Social Care Partnerships in Scotland (Joint Improvement Team, Scottish Executive)
• Review of Partial Hospitalisation Services in Glasgow (Glasgow Addiction Service)

Change management:

• Development of a Multi-Professional Drug and Alcohol Team in Midlothian (Midlothian DAAT)

For more information about any of these projects, please contact the Figure 8 team.