JEu me questionne: a program desired by the health and social service centres in Quebec?
JEu me questionne is the first semiautonomous intervention program in Quebec designed to help gamblers that wish to exercise greater control over their gambling habits. This program might be offered in the Centres de santé et de services sociaux (CSSS), one of the front door resources for service demands concerning pathological gambling. Many CSSS in Quebec that offer frontline services to a diverse clientele incorporate a self-care program for alcohol consumption problem to their services. Does a program such as JEu me questionne is perceived as need and interest for CSSS? This study aims to document the services currently offered in CSSS, to verify the needs of CSSS for an eventual offer of the program and to identify facilitating factors and obstacles to this service. Eighty-two stakeholders and 16 administrators recruited in 9 CSSS in Quebec completed a questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study. Results show that nearly 70 % of CSSS do not offer early intervention services for problem gambling, rather referring applicants to specialized resources. The majority of respondents (65 %) shows an interest in providing this program and perceives that it may meet users’ requirements. This new service would require the importance of adequate training, a sufficient quantity of resources, consultation with clinical environments and promotion of the service. Lack in time and in human and financial resources represents the main obstacles. Solutions to these constraints are discussed, including the centralized management of the program. This could foster a better access to gamblers before the occurrence of more serious gambling-related problems.