Working with people who use performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs): a 'best practise' workshop targeted at healthcare professionals

Abstract

<p><b>Background:</b> People in Australia are increasingly seeking to use performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs), such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, to help them meet their 'body-image-related goals'. Alongside this increase in use, there has been an associated rise in the number of reported health complications associated with the use of PIEDs. Yet, healthcare professionals in Australia report difficulties engaging with PIED users coupled with a lack of knowledge about these substances. Effective education for healthcare professionals on PIEDs is therefore urgently needed. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of an e-learning program and developed a 'best practise' workshop to address this gap.</p>