Recommendations from people who use drugs in Philadelphia, PA about structuring point-of-care drug checking

Original research
by
Reed, Megan K. et al

Release Date

2024

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Point-of-care drug checking identifies components of a drug sample and delivers results consumers. To successfully meet the diverse needs of PWUD, more information is needed about the utility of drug checking, motivations for using services contextualized in broader comments on the drug supply, hypothesized actions to be taken after receiving drug checking results, and the ideal structure of a program.

Findings/Key points

Emerging themes from potential drug checking consumers included universal interest in using a drug checking program, intentions to change drug use actions based on drug checking results, deep concern about the unpredictability of the drug supply, engaging in multiple harm reduction practices, and concerns about privacy while accessing a service.

Design/methods

Semi-structured interviews (n=40)

Keywords

Drug checking
About PWUD
Barriers and enablers