# BeHERE’s effective virtual training to build capacity to support people who use drugs in non-substance use disorder settings

## TL;DR

This paper evaluates a virtual training program that helps non-substance use disorder settings support people who use drugs, showing it is effective and improves workplace performance.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the effectiveness of virtual training for building capacity in non-SUD settings to support people who use drugs.

## Key findings

- BeHERE’s trainings were relevant, engaging, and increased trainees' knowledge and confidence.
- The training influenced workplace performance and improved effectiveness in working with clients.
- Virtual training was found to be effective in improving capacity in non-SUD settings.

## Abstract

Human service settings not specifically focused on supporting people who use drugs (PWUD), especially those with a substance use disorder (SUD), such as probation and parole services, homeless shelters, and work re-entry and job training programs, offer a unique opportunity to assist this population and prevent overdose deaths. During the COVID-19 pandemic (pandemic), building capacity in such settings for overdose prevention, harm reduction, and to address barriers to treatment, recovery, and support services required that training vendors use a virtual format. Post-pandemic, virtual training remains a cost-effective and convenient alternative to in-person training. The Behavioral Health and Racial Equity (BeHERE) Training Initiative of Health Resources in Action, which offers eight training modules on prevention, recovery, and harm reduction, delivered 224 online trainings between April 2020 and June 2022.

A mixed methods evaluation based upon the Kirkpatrick Training Evaluation Model was employed, which utilized post-training (n = 1272) and follow-up surveys (n = 62), and key informant interviews (n = 35).

The findings showed BeHERE’s trainings were relevant, engaging, and satisfying to trainees; increased their knowledge, skills, and confidence; and influenced workplace performance. Some participants also indicated that the training influenced the effectiveness of their work with clients and other staff.

The evaluation identified aspects of training that make a virtual format effective at improving the capacity of non-SUD settings to address substance use and support PWUD. Findings offer insights for those interested in delivery of virtual training, as well as training to influence the practice of human service providers across different settings to support PWUD.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-024-00948-5.