The cost-effectiveness of Vancouver's supervised injection facility

Original research
by
Bayoumi, Ahmed M & Gregory S Zaric

Release Date

2008

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

The cost-effectiveness of Canada's only supervised injection facility has not been rigorously evaluated. We estimated the impact of the facility on survival, rates of HIV and hepatitis C virus infection, referral to methadone maintenance treatment and associated costs.

Findings/Key points

Vancouver's supervised injection site is associated with improved health and cost savings, even with conservative estimates of efficacy.

Design/methods

Comparison of population simulations with and without a supervised injection facility

Keywords

Evidence base
Advocacy
Illegal drugs
Social benefits
SCS/OPS