Seminar: Pins, Barrels and Brands - injector equipment choices

Pins, Barrels and Brands: influences on and influencing injector equipment choices.

There is a growing range of injecting equipment now available to NSPs. Despite this, the range of needles distributed has been fairly limited. This presentation will explore the factors that have influenced and continue to influence selection of needle size - from organisational and injector perspectives.

Given the evidence that use of incorrect needle size can increase vein and site damage and shorten vein life, promoting the most appropriate needle size to injectors has to be a high priority. So it is depressing that so many workers and injectors remain confused about the "right needle."

Some of the factors that influence needle size have been determined by organisations - who orders equipment, which wholesaler they use, and if distribution takes place on a pick-and-mix or a prepack basis.

Other factors relate to injector preference - what they are familiar with, have learned to use, the extent to which it suits their injecting "style."

The factors that should determine choice should be access to a range of equipment and information that allows worker and client to identify the most appropriate needle. Unfortunately this isn't always (or even usually) the case and the aim of this seminar is to go some way to correcting this situation.

The half day seminar which has emerged from over ten years of needle exchange training, and a recent presentation at the UK NCIDU 2010 looks at the following:

• Types of barrel and needle combination: pros and cons
• Factors influencing needle selection: client preference and influences
• Factors influencing stock selection: Organisations
• Which needle is the 'right needle'

Following a very popular presentation at the National Conference on Injecting Drug Use in the UK, independent trainer and consultant Kevin Flemen is pleased to work in collaboration with the INEF to bring this half day seminar to Dublin.

Date: Thursday 3rd March 2011
Time: Seminar 1  9.30 – 12.45
Seminar 2 1.15 – 4.30
Venue: Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street , Dublin 7
Maximum 20 participants per session €25 per session
CLOSING DATE TUESDAY 1st MARCH
More information contact Tim Bingham tim@inef.ie

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