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Siddiqui ST, La Manna A, Connors E, Smith R, Vance K, Budesa Z, Goulka J, Beletsky L, Wood CA, Marotta P, Winograd RP. An evaluation of first responders' intention to refer to post-overdose services following SHIELD training. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:39. [PMID: 38351046 PMCID: PMC10863209 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00957-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND First responders [law enforcement officers (LEO) and Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS)] can play a vital prevention role, connecting overdose survivors to treatment and recovery services. This study was conducted to examine the effect of occupational safety and harm reduction training on first responders' intention to refer overdose survivors to treatment, syringe service, naloxone distribution, social support, and care-coordination services, and whether those intentions differed by first responder profession. METHODS First responders in Missouri were trained using the Safety and Health Integration in the Enforcement of Laws on Drugs (SHIELD) model. Trainees' intent to refer (ITR) overdose survivors to prevention and supportive services was assessed pre- and post-training (1-5 scale). A mixed model analysis was conducted to assess change in mean ITR scores between pre- and post-training, and between profession type, while adjusting for random effects between individual trainees and baseline characteristics. RESULTS Between December 2020 and January 2023, 742 first responders completed pre- and post-training surveys. SHIELD training was associated with higher first responders' intentions to refer, with ITR to naloxone distribution (1.83-3.88) and syringe exchange (1.73-3.69) demonstrating the greatest changes, and drug treatment (2.94-3.95) having the least change. There was a significant increase in ITR score from pre- to post-test (β = 2.15; 95% CI 1.99, 2.30), and LEO-relative to Fire/EMS-had a higher score at pre-test (0.509; 95% CI 0.367, 0.651) but a lower score at post-test (0.148; 95% CI - 0.004, 0.300). CONCLUSION Training bundling occupational safety with harm reduction content is immediately effective at increasing first responders' intention to connect overdose survivors to community substance use services. When provided with the rationale and instruction to execute referrals, first responders are amenable, and their positive response highlights the opportunity for growth in increasing referral partnerships and collaborations. Further research is necessary to assess the extent to which ITR translates to referral behavior in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad T Siddiqui
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, 206 Benton Hall, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA.
| | - Anna La Manna
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, 206 Benton Hall, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Elizabeth Connors
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, 206 Benton Hall, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Ryan Smith
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, 206 Benton Hall, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Kyle Vance
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, 206 Benton Hall, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Zach Budesa
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, 206 Benton Hall, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Jeremiah Goulka
- SHIELD Training Initiative, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Leo Beletsky
- SHIELD Training Initiative, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Claire A Wood
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, 206 Benton Hall, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Phillip Marotta
- Department of Social Work, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Rachel P Winograd
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Blvd, 206 Benton Hall, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
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Crowther D, Curran J, Somerville M, Sinclair D, Wozney L, MacPhee S, Rose AE, Boulos L, Caudrella A. Harm reduction strategies in acute care for people who use alcohol and/or drugs: A scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294804. [PMID: 38100469 PMCID: PMC10723714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use alcohol and/or drugs (PWUAD) are at higher risk of infectious disease, experiencing stigma, and recurrent hospitalization. Further, they have a higher likelihood of death once hospitalized when compared to people who do not use drugs and/or alcohol. The use of harm reduction strategies within acute care settings has shown promise in alleviating some of the harms experienced by PWUAD. This review aimed to identify and synthesize evidence related to the implementation of harm reduction strategies in acute care settings. METHODS A scoping review investigating harm reduction strategies implemented in acute care settings for PWUAD was conducted. A search strategy developed by a JBI-trained specialist was used to search five databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsychInfo and Scopus). Screening of titles, abstracts and full texts, and data extraction was done in duplicate by two independent reviewers. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus or with a third reviewer. Results were reported narratively and in tables. Both patients and healthcare decision makers contributing to the development of the protocol, article screening, synthesis and feedback of results, and the identification of gaps in the literature. FINDINGS The database search identified 14,580 titles, with 59 studies included in this review. A variety of intervention modalities including pharmacological, decision support, safer consumption, early overdose detection and turning a blind eye were identified. Reported outcome measures related to safer use, managed use, and conditions of use. Reported barriers and enablers to implementation related to system and organizational factors, patient-provider communication, and patient and provider perspectives. CONCLUSION This review outlines the types of alcohol and/or drug harm reduction strategies, which have been evaluated and/or implemented in acute care settings, the type of outcome measures used in these evaluations and summarizes key barriers and enablers to implementation. This review has the potential to serve as a resource for future harm reduction evaluation and implementation efforts in the context of acute care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Crowther
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Janet Curran
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Quality and Patient Safety, IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mari Somerville
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Quality and Patient Safety, IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Doug Sinclair
- Quality and Patient Safety, IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Lori Wozney
- Mental Health and Addictions Program, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shannon MacPhee
- Quality and Patient Safety, IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Leah Boulos
- The Maritime Strategy for Patient Oriented Research SUPPORT Unit, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Alexander Caudrella
- Mental Health and Addictions Service, St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Galarneau LR, Speed K, Taylor M, Hyshka E. Operating an overdose prevention site within a temporary emergency shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:787-795. [PMID: 37462841 PMCID: PMC10486343 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00803-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
SETTING A temporary emergency shelter was established inside the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, to reduce COVID-19 transmission and mitigate health risks among people experiencing homelessness. INTERVENTION A non-profit organization, Boyle Street Community Services, opened an overdose prevention site (OPS) between February and March 2022 inside the temporary emergency shelter. People accessed the shelter-based OPS to consume unregulated drugs (via injection, intranasally, or orally), receive medical aid, access sterile drug use equipment, and be connected to additional health and social supports, without leaving the shelter. We conducted short interviewer-administered surveys with OPS participants to examine participant views and identify suggested improvements. OUTCOMES The shelter-based OPS was accessed a total of 1346 times by 174 unique people. Fentanyl was the most common self-reported drug consumed (59%) and most consumption (99% of episodes) was by injection. OPS staff responded to 66 overdoses and reported no deaths. Survey respondents reported that the shelter-based OPS was convenient, with no need to forfeit their shelter spot or find transportation to another OPS. Respondents indicated that the OPS felt safe and accessible and reported that it reduced drug use in other shelter areas. Participants identified the OPS' exclusion of inhalation as a limitation. IMPLICATIONS People who use unregulated drugs and are experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk of negative health outcomes, which COVID-19 exacerbated. Integrating temporary shelter/housing and harm reduction services may be an innovative way to lower barriers, increase accessibility, and improve well-being for this structurally vulnerable population. Future operators should consider incorporating inhalation services to further reduce service gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexis R Galarneau
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- George Spady Society, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kelsey Speed
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marliss Taylor
- Boyle Street Community Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elaine Hyshka
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
- Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Ali F, Russell C, Law J, Talbot A, Elton-Marshall T, Bozinoff N, Imtiaz S, Rehm J, Giang V, Rush B. Withdrawal Management Practices and Services in Canada: A Cross-Sectional National Survey on the Management of Opioid Use Disorder. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ADDICTION 2023. [DOI: 10.1097/cxa.0000000000000167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Cook RR, Foot C, Arah OA, Humphreys K, Rudolph KE, Luo SX, Tsui JI, Levander XA, Korthuis PT. Estimating the impact of stimulant use on initiation of buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone in two clinical trials and real-world populations. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:11. [PMID: 36788634 PMCID: PMC9930351 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00364-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-use of stimulants and opioids is rapidly increasing. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have established the efficacy of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), but stimulant use may decrease the likelihood of initiating MOUD treatment. Furthermore, trial participants may not represent "real-world" populations who would benefit from treatment. METHODS We conducted a two-stage analysis. First, associations between stimulant use (time-varying urine drug screens for cocaine, methamphetamine, or amphetamines) and initiation of buprenorphine or extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) were estimated across two RCTs (CTN-0051 X:BOT and CTN-0067 CHOICES) using adjusted Cox regression models. Second, results were generalized to three target populations who would benefit from MOUD: Housed adults identifying the need for OUD treatment, as characterized by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH); adults entering OUD treatment, as characterized by Treatment Episodes Dataset (TEDS); and adults living in rural regions of the U.S. with high rates of injection drug use, as characterized by the Rural Opioids Initiative (ROI). Generalizability analyses adjusted for differences in demographic characteristics, substance use, housing status, and depression between RCT and target populations using inverse probability of selection weighting. RESULTS Analyses included 673 clinical trial participants, 139 NSDUH respondents (weighted to represent 661,650 people), 71,751 TEDS treatment episodes, and 1,933 ROI participants. The majority were aged 30-49 years, male, and non-Hispanic White. In RCTs, stimulant use reduced the likelihood of MOUD initiation by 32% (adjusted HR [aHR] = 0.68, 95% CI 0.49-0.94, p = 0.019). Stimulant use associations were slightly attenuated and non-significant among housed adults needing treatment (25% reduction, aHR = 0.75, 0.48-1.18, p = 0.215) and adults entering OUD treatment (28% reduction, aHR = 0.72, 0.51-1.01, p = 0.061). The association was more pronounced, but still non-significant among rural people injecting drugs (39% reduction, aHR = 0.61, 0.35-1.06, p = 0.081). Stimulant use had a larger negative impact on XR-NTX initiation compared to buprenorphine, especially in the rural population (76% reduction, aHR = 0.24, 0.08-0.69, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Stimulant use is a barrier to buprenorphine or XR-NTX initiation in clinical trials and real-world populations that would benefit from OUD treatment. Interventions to address stimulant use among patients with OUD are urgently needed, especially among rural people injecting drugs, who already suffer from limited access to MOUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Cook
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Sam Jackson Hall, Suite 3370, 3245 SW Pavilion Loop, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - C Foot
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Sam Jackson Hall, Suite 3370, 3245 SW Pavilion Loop, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - O A Arah
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Physical Sciences, Department of Statistics, UCLA College, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Research Unit for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - K Humphreys
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - K E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S X Luo
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - J I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - X A Levander
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Sam Jackson Hall, Suite 3370, 3245 SW Pavilion Loop, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - P T Korthuis
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Sam Jackson Hall, Suite 3370, 3245 SW Pavilion Loop, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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MacKinnon L, Kerman N, Socías ME, Brar R, Bardwell G. Primary care embedded within permanent supportive housing for people who use substances: A qualitative study examining healthcare access in Vancouver, Canada. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e5062-e5073. [PMID: 35852403 PMCID: PMC9970158 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Marginally housed people who use drugs and alcohol (PWUD/A) face barriers in accessing healthcare services, which may be improved by providing healthcare in housing settings. This case study examines the experiences of healthcare access amongst PWUD/A who live in a permanent supportive housing model in Vancouver, Canada. This model has an embedded multidisciplinary clinic providing in-reach services. Thirty participants were recruited via posters placed throughout the building and semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted remotely. Interviews were conducted with participants who accessed onsite care regularly (n = 15) and those who do not (n = 15). Data were analysed to identify both a priori and emerging themes. Participants who accessed the onsite clinic reported benefiting from stigma-free care. Close proximity and convenience of drop-in appointments enabled participants to engage with healthcare services more consistently, though hours of operation and privacy concerns were barriers for others. Participants who did not use the onsite clinic highlighted the importance of continuity of care with their pre-existing primary care team, particularly if their clinic was in close geographic proximity. However, they also described utilising these services for urgent health needs or as an occasional alternative source of care. Shared perspectives across all participants emphasised the importance of low-barrier services, including medication delivery, convenience and positive therapeutic relationships. Our findings suggest that embedding access to primary care within supportive housing benefits PWUD/A who have previously encountered barriers to healthcare access. This model could be implemented to prevent utilisation of acute healthcare resources and improve health outcomes amongst PWUD/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura MacKinnon
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nick Kerman
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M. Eugenia Socías
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rupinder Brar
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Geoff Bardwell
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Shin SS, LaForge K, Stack E, Pope J, Leichtling G, Larsen JE, Leahy JM, Seaman A, Hoover D, Chisholm L, Blazes C, Baker R, Byers M, Branson K, Korthuis PT. "It wasn't here, and now it is. It's everywhere": fentanyl's rising presence in Oregon's drug supply. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:76. [PMID: 35818072 PMCID: PMC9275036 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Illicit fentanyl has contributed to a drastic increase in overdose drug deaths. While fentanyl has subsumed the drug supply in the Northeastern and Midwestern USA, it has more recently reached the Western USA. For this study, we explored perspectives of people who use drugs (PWUD) on the changing drug supply in Oregon, experiences of and response to fentanyl-involved overdose, and recommendations from PWUD to reduce overdose risk within the context of illicit fentanyl’s dramatic increase in the recreational drug supply over the past decade. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews by phone with 34 PWUD in Oregon from May to June of 2021. We used thematic analysis to analyze transcripts and construct themes. Results PWUD knew about fentanyl, expressed concern about fentanyl pills, and were aware of other illicit drugs containing fentanyl. Participants were aware of the increased risk of an overdose but remained reluctant to engage with professional first responders due to fear of arrest. Participants had recommendations for reducing fentanyl overdose risk, including increasing access to information, harm reduction supplies (e.g., naloxone, fentanyl test strips), and medications for opioid use disorder; establishing drug checking services and overdose prevention sites; legalizing and regulating the drug supply; and reducing stigma enacted by healthcare providers. Conclusion PWUD in Oregon are aware of the rise of fentanyl and fentanyl pills and desire access to tools to reduce harm from fentanyl. As states in the Western USA face an inflection point of fentanyl in the drug supply, public health staff, behavioral health providers, and first responders can take action identified by the needs of PWUD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-022-00659-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Shin
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay Street #1700, Portland, OR, 97232, USA.
| | - Kate LaForge
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay Street #1700, Portland, OR, 97232, USA
| | - Erin Stack
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay Street #1700, Portland, OR, 97232, USA
| | - Justine Pope
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay Street #1700, Portland, OR, 97232, USA
| | | | - Jessica E Larsen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Judith M Leahy
- Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrew Seaman
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Old Town Clinic/Central City Concern, Portland, OR, USA.,Better Life Partners, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Daniel Hoover
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Laura Chisholm
- Injury and Violence Prevention Program, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christopher Blazes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Robin Baker
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Katie Branson
- Injury and Violence Prevention Program, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
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Adams EA, Parker J, Jablonski T, Kennedy J, Tasker F, Hunter D, Denham K, Smiles C, Muir C, O’Donnell A, Widnall E, Dotsikas K, Kaner E, Ramsay SE. A Qualitative Study Exploring Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Support among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063459. [PMID: 35329147 PMCID: PMC8950841 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness have higher rates of mental ill-health and substance use and lower access to health services compared to the general population. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in service delivery across health and social care services, with many adopting virtual or telephone support for service users. This paper explores the experiences of access to community-based mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 10 women and 16 men (ages 25 to 71) who self-identified as experiencing homelessness in North East England between February and May 2021. With five individuals with lived experience, results were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Reactive changes to support provision often led to inadvertent exclusion. Barriers to access included: physical locations, repetition of recovery stories, individual readiness, and limited availability. Participants suggested creating services reflective of need and opportunities for choice and empowerment. Community mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness should ensure the support is personalised, responsive to need, inclusive, and trauma-informed. The findings of this research have important implications for mental health and substance use policy and practice for individuals who experience homelessness during a public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma A. Adams
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK; (C.S.); (C.M.); (A.O.); (E.K.); (S.E.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jeff Parker
- HeathNow, Crisis, City House 1 City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2AF, UK
- Pathway, 4th Floor East, 250 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG, UK
- Crisis Pie Team, 66 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT, UK
| | - Tony Jablonski
- HeathNow, Crisis, City House 1 City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2AF, UK
- Pathway, 4th Floor East, 250 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG, UK
- Crisis Pie Team, 66 Commercial Street, London E1 6LT, UK
| | - Joanne Kennedy
- Expert by Experience Network, Fulfilling Lives Newcastle Gateshead, Gateshead NE8 4DY, UK
| | - Fiona Tasker
- Expert by Experience Network, Fulfilling Lives Newcastle Gateshead, Gateshead NE8 4DY, UK
| | - Desmond Hunter
- HeathNow, Crisis, City House 1 City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2AF, UK
- Expert by Experience Network, Fulfilling Lives Newcastle Gateshead, Gateshead NE8 4DY, UK
| | - Katy Denham
- Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
| | - Claire Smiles
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK; (C.S.); (C.M.); (A.O.); (E.K.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Cassey Muir
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK; (C.S.); (C.M.); (A.O.); (E.K.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Amy O’Donnell
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK; (C.S.); (C.M.); (A.O.); (E.K.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Emily Widnall
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK;
| | | | - Eileen Kaner
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK; (C.S.); (C.M.); (A.O.); (E.K.); (S.E.R.)
| | - Sheena E. Ramsay
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK; (C.S.); (C.M.); (A.O.); (E.K.); (S.E.R.)
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Rizzo D, Mu T, Cotroneo S, Arunogiri S. Barriers to Accessing Addiction Treatment for Women at Risk of Homelessness. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:795532. [PMID: 35252964 PMCID: PMC8893170 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.795532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Women remain under-represented in addiction treatment, comprising less than a third of clients in treatment services. Shame, stigma, and fear of legal and social repercussions (e.g., child protection involvement) are major barriers impacting on treatment-seeking for women. This is compounded for women at risk of homelessness, with practical and logistical reasons for not engaging in treatment. We conducted a qualitative study with both clinicians and service-providers, and women with lived experience of addiction and at risk of homelessness, to identify barriers to access and help-seeking within this vulnerable population. Adult women with lived experience of homelessness and addiction were invited to participate in an online focus group. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using framework analysis. Analysis resulted in the identification of barriers to access in three areas. These were system-related, socio-cultural, and emotional barriers. We also present findings from the focus group recorded in real-time, using the novel method of digital illustration. This study highlights key factors impacting on help-seeking and access to treatment for addiction faced by women at risk of homelessness. The findings of this study highlight important areas of consideration for clinicians and service-providers working with women who experience addiction, as well as informing future research directions for this priority population. Findings are discussed in the context of exigent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davinia Rizzo
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash Addiction Research Centre and Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Richmond, VIC, Australia
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Davinia Rizzo
| | - Temika Mu
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Shalini Arunogiri
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash Addiction Research Centre and Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Richmond, VIC, Australia
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, VIC, Australia
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