{"id":20735,"date":"2026-07-31T10:33:16","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/sessions\/key-considerations-in-the-design-of-a-sentinel-network-for-drug-use-qualitative-findings\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T10:33:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:33:16","slug":"key-considerations-in-the-design-of-a-sentinel-network-for-drug-use-qualitative-findings","status":"publish","type":"wsa_session","link":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/sessions\/key-considerations-in-the-design-of-a-sentinel-network-for-drug-use-qualitative-findings\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Considerations in the Design of a Sentinel Network for Drug Use: Qualitative Findings"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>An effective surveillance\u00a0program\u00a0of\u00a0drugs and\u00a0addiction\u00a0requires\u00a0timely\u00a0detection of emerging consumption patterns and new psychoactive substances.\u00a0The time lag between conventional reporting systems and population-level\u00a0perception\u00a0creates a gap that can be more effectively addressed through sentinel networks.To advance the development of a drug-use sentinel network in Spain by building on our previously published study, focusing specifically on operational structure, implementation strategies, and the integration of digital tools and new technologies to enhance real-time surveillance.A qualitative study was conducted\u00a0between\u00a0February\u00a0and\u00a0May 2025. A total\u00a0of\u00a013\u00a0regional,\u00a0national\u00a0and international experts in public health, drug policy, prevention, epidemiology, and digital technologies\u00a0participated\u00a0in\u00a0three focus groups and four in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed thematically using\u00a0ATLAS.ti, with triangulation of researcher\u00a0data\u00a0with\u00a0adherence to SRQR guidelines to ensure rigor.Six categories\u00a0and\u00a016\u00a0subcategories were identified for the design of a sentinel network on\u00a0drug use:\u00a0(1) Definition and criteria for activating sentinel alerts; (2) Selection of key informants;\u00a0(3) Communication of relevant signals and alerts;\u00a0(4) Management and temporality of alerts; (5) National coordination of the sentinel network;\u00a0and (6) Enabling factors for sustainability.The categories identified in the study reflect the complexity of designing a functional sentinel network for monitoring drug use. The definition of alert criteria and the selection of key informants highlight the need for clarity and consistency to ensure reliable early detection. Effective communication pathways and clear temporal management of alerts are essential to prevent delays and reduce variability between settings. The emphasis on national coordination demonstrates the importance of a unified structure capable of integrating heterogeneous local contributions. Finally, the enabling factors identified\u2014such as training, digital tools, and mechanisms to maintain engagement\u2014underscore that sustainability depends not only on design, but on long-term operational support.This work outlines the operational foundations for an effective drug-use sentinel system, emphasising clear alert management, robust coordination and digital support. Implementing these elements could improve real-time detection capacity and reinforce national surveillance infrastructures.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-20735","wsa_session","type-wsa_session","status-publish","hentry","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsa_session\/20735","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsa_session"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/wsa_session"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/woncaeurope2026.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}