Access and barriers to safer supply prescribing during a toxic drug emergency: a mixed methods study of implementation in British Columbia, Canada

Date

2024

Authors

Urbanoski, Karen A.
van Roode, Thea
Selfridge, Marion
Hogan, Katherine C.
Fraser, James
Lock, Kurt
McGreevy, Phoenix Beck
Burmeister, Charlene
Barker, Brittany
Slaunwhite, Amanda

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy

Abstract

In March 2020, British Columbia, Canada, introduced prescribed safer supply involving the distribution of pharmaceutical grade alternatives to the unregulated toxic drug supply. Prior research has demonstrated positive impacts on overdose mortality, but with limited reach to people who use substances. Objectives of this study were to (1) identify barriers to accessing safer supply prescribing among people who use substances; and (2) determine whether and how barriers differed between people with and without prescriptions, and between urban and rural settings.

Description

Keywords

harm reduction, implementation science, overdose, public health, safer supply, substance use

Citation

Urbanoski, K. A., Van Roode, T., Selfridge, M., Hogan, K. C., Fraser, J., Lock, K., McGreevy, P. B., Burmeister, C., Barker, B., Slaunwhite, A., Nosyk, B., & Pauly, B. (2024). Access and barriers to safer supply prescribing during a toxic drug emergency: A mixed methods study of implementation in British Columbia, Canada. Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00625-7