Implementation of a peer-led overdose prevention program: the experience of PROFAN
Context: PROFAN is an overdose prevention program initiated in 2015 by Meta d’Âme, a peer-led association, in response to the opioid crisis in Montreal. During sessions lasting a day, peers train “rescuers,” to intervene in overdose situations. Objective: The description of the program and its evaluation aim to highlight the factors that contributed to the development of PROFAN by a group of peers. Methods: Five sources of data have been used to evaluate the implementation of the program: operational data, individual interviews, committee meetings, an evaluation questionnaire, and telephone interviews. Results and conclusions: Since its beginnings, about 2000 participants, including persons who use drugs (PWUD), their relatives, and stakeholders from community organizations across Quebec have received training through the PROFAN program. The commitment and involvement of peers responsible for the program have allowed for the mobilization of many actors, such as the Montreal Public Health Directorate, the Centre de recherche et d’aide pour narcomanes [Cran], and the Association des intervenants en dépendance du Québec [AIDQ]. The results of the implementation evaluation of PROFAN highlight its adoption by its peers, its acceptability by participants, its appropriateness with regard to the needs of the target population, and its feasibility. Results are reported in light of the components of an evaluation logic model.