A qualitative study on overdose response in the era of COVID-19 and beyond: how to spot someone so they never have to use alone

Original research
par
Perri, Melissa et al

Date de publication

2021

Géographie

Canada

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

During COVID-19 restrictions, remote spotting (e.g., using a telephone, video call, and/or a social media app) emerged to address physical distancing requirements and reduced access to harm reduction and/or sexually transmitted blood borne infection (STBBI’s) prevention services. We explored spotting implementation issues from the perspectives of spotters and spottees.

Constatations/points à retenir

Spotting calls often began with setting an overdose response plan (i.e., when and who to call). Many participants noted that, due to the criminalization of drug use and fear of arrest, they preferred that roommates/friends/family members be called instead of emergency services in case of an overdose. Both spotters and spottees raised concerns about the timeliness of overdose response, particularly in remote and rural settings. Spotting is a novel addition to, but not replacement for, existing harm reduction services.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

n=20 semi-structured interviews

Mots clés

Overdose
Harm reduction
Policy/Regulatory
Decriminalization/legalization
About PWUD
Barriers and enablers
Illegal drugs
Rural/remote
SCS/OPS