INFORMING CONSENT - SHOULD PROVIDERS INFORM PURCHASERS ABOUT THE RISKS OF DRUG-EDUCATION

This paper argues that most drug education is problematic as an 'evide nce-based' intervention, as it either lacks sufficient empirical suppo rt for its implementation, or it continues in the face of negative res ults. It is argued that drug education is a good example of an entrenc hed but risky public health intervention which is unimpeded by any bur den of evidence, but this fact is not well known in the purchasing com munities, which often mandate such preventive programs universally. A morally informed public health policy would suggest that such quality assurance data is mandatory for the continuation or maintenance of any preventative drug education.