Next of Kin-Interview Toolkit
A next-of-kin (NOK) interview provides an in-depth look at how someone lived, their social supports, and the circumstances that led to an overdose death. NOK interviews are tools overdose fatality reviews (OFRs) can use to expand their understanding of the life experiences of a decedent and identify non-traditional touchpoints or systems that may not be represented by OFR team members. This toolkit provides readers with information needed to identify, conduct, and report on a NOK interview.

Modules
- Why to conduct a NOK Interview?
- Who Should Conduct a NOK Interview?
- When to Connect With NOK?
- How to Conduct a NOK Interview?
- Where to Store NOK Interview Data?
- How to Use NOK Data?
- Self-Care for NOK Interviewers
Toolkit Design
The Next-of-Kin Interviews: A Practitioner’s Guide to Implementation is a companion document to Overdose Fatality Review: A Practitioner’s Guide to Implementation. This guide provides readers with information needed to identify, conduct, and report on a NOK interview. The content draws on practice-based knowledge of conducting NOK interviews as part of the OFR. It is organized into seven modules and an appendix with a list of common phrases and definitions and resources.

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Webinar: Next-of-Kin Interviews
This webinar provides participants with an overview of a NOK interview, explains the importance of a NOK interview, and discusses new available resources for the field to support the use of NOK interviews. The webinar features two experts who model the national standards for NOK interviews through their own professional experiences conducting NOK interviews.
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Next-of-Kin Interviewer Training
The NOK interviewer training is a free, four-hour training for those individuals who will be conducting the NOK interview for an OFR. This training is led by three trainers with extensive professional experience completing NOK interviews for OFRs. The NOK interviewer training is offered in a virtual setting and on an application basis.
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Next-of-Kin Learning Community
The NOK Learning Community is a bi-monthly convening for professionals who are completing a NOK interview for an OFR. NOK practitioners are encouraged to take part in this call to connect with practitioners across the country and cultivate understanding.
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OFR Data System
The OFR Data System assists OFRs in capturing standard information from their case reviews, monitoring recommendations, and storing NOK interview findings. The OFR Data System is free to use.
Appendix
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How do I access the next-of-kin module?
Video - 10/18/2022
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Next-of-Kin After Engagement Letter Voicemail
Sample - 11/16/2023
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Next-of-Kin Interviews
Webinar - 3/16/2022
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Next-of-Kin Interviews: A Practitioner’s Guide to Implementation
Toolkit - 3/22/2022
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Next-of-Kin No Initial Contact Voicemail
Sample - 11/16/2023
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Overdose Fatality Review Voicemail Script for Next-of-Kin Interviewers
Sample - 11/16/2023
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Overdose Fatality Review: Next-of-Kin Phone and Voicemail Guidelines
Briefing Sheet - 10/27/2023
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