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184077 A Delphi survey of competencies for substance abuse prevention specialists

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Ernesto A. Randolfi, PhD , Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada
Kevin Quint, MBA, LADC, NCAC , Join Together Northern Nevada, Reno, NV
Devarshi Bajpal, BS, CADC II, NCA , Certification Board of Oregon, Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, Drug Court Grant Coordinator, Salem, OR
A snowball sampling methodology was employed to identify 33 individuals with content expertise in tobacco, alcohol and other drug prevention. These potential panel members were sent an email inviting them to participate in a Web-based Delphi survey to develop a consensus on essential competencies for substance abuse prevention specialists. A review of literature was conducted to formulate an initial list of competencies that panelist could evaluate and discuss. Panelists were asked to either: accept, reject, accept with modifications, offer an alternative to the listed competency, or suggest additional competencies. Survey results were shared with panelist in round two of the study and they were then asked to again judge the appropriateness of competencies or make modifications to the list. In the final round, panelist evaluated the results from round two in a similar fashion so that the group could come closer to formulating a consensus on appropriate professional competencies.

Twenty-four individuals completed all three rounds and results indicate significant congruence between survey competencies, federally funded prevention training programs, the content of academic prevention courses, and the practices of prevention professionals. Disagreements among panelist focused on the degree to which prevention specialists should be required to demonstrate competency in areas such as program evaluation, grant writing, program planning models, and behavioral theories.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation participants will be able to: Describe the steps undertaken to conduct a Delphi study to determine professionally competencies of substance abuse prevention specialists. Articulate the limitations of consensus building in a Delphi study. Recognize domain categories and the specific knowledge, skills and dispositions that define the professional competencies of substance abuse prevention specialists.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the principal investigator
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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