What is needed for implementing drug checking services in the context of the overdose crisis? A qualitative study to explore perspectives of potential service users
Date
2020
Authors
Wallace, Bruce
van Roode, Thea
Pagan, Flora
Phillips, Paige
Wagner, Hailly
Calder, Shane
Aasen, Jarred
Pauly, Bernie
Hore, Dennis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Harm Reduction Journal
Abstract
Background
The current illicit drug overdose crisis within North America and other countries requires expanded and new responses to address unpredictable and potentially lethal substances, including fentanyl analogues, in the unregulated drug market. Community-wide drug checking is being increasingly explored as one such public health response. We explored how drug checking could be implemented as a potential harm reduction response to the overdose crisis, from the perspective of potential service users.
Methods
The research was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We conducted a qualitative, pre-implementation study to inform development and implementation of drug checking services that are acceptable to people who use substances and meet their needs. University and community researchers conducted 27 in-depth interviews with potential service users at prospective drug checking sites. We inductively developed emerging themes to inform the implementation of drug checking services within the five domains of the CFIR, and identified the most relevant constructs.
Results
Implementing community drug checking faces significant challenges within the current context of criminalization and stigmatization of substance use and people who use/sell drugs, and trauma experienced by potential service users. Participants identified significant risks in accessing drug checking, and that confidential and anonymous services are critical to address these. Engaging people with lived experience in the service can help establish trust. The relative advantage of drug checking needs to outweigh risks through provision of accurate results conveyed in a respectful, non-judgemental way. Drug checking should provide knowledge relevant to using and/or selling drugs and informing one’s own harm reduction.
Conclusions
For service users, the extent to which the implementation of drug checking can respond to and mitigate the risks of being criminalized and stigmatized is critical to the acceptability and success of community drug checking. The culture and compatibility of the service, setting and staff with harm reduction principles and practices is essential.
Description
Keywords
Drug checking, Overdose, Harm reduction, Spectroscopy, Substance use, Fentanyl, Implementation science, Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Citation
Wallace, B., van Roode, T., Pagan, F., Phillips, P., Wagner, H., Calder, S., … Hore, D. (2020). What is needed for implementing drug checking services in the context of the overdose crisis? A qualitative study to explore perspectives of potential service users . Harm Reduction Journal, 17(29), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-020-00373-4.