Planning and implementing community-based drug checking services in Scotland: a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation research
Abstract Background Drug checking services (DCS) provide harm reduction support and advice to individuals based on chemical analysis of submitted substances of concern. Whilst there are currently no DCS in Scotland, community-based services are being planned in three cities. Methods In this paper, w...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-023-00590-7 |
| _version_ | 1797350111470157824 |
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| author | Danilo Falzon Hannah Carver Wendy Masterton Bruce Wallace Harry Sumnall Fiona Measham Vicki Craik Rosalind Gittins Elizabeth V. Aston Kira Watson Carole Hunter Saket Priyadarshi Tessa Parkes |
| author_facet | Danilo Falzon Hannah Carver Wendy Masterton Bruce Wallace Harry Sumnall Fiona Measham Vicki Craik Rosalind Gittins Elizabeth V. Aston Kira Watson Carole Hunter Saket Priyadarshi Tessa Parkes |
| author_sort | Danilo Falzon |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Drug checking services (DCS) provide harm reduction support and advice to individuals based on chemical analysis of submitted substances of concern. Whilst there are currently no DCS in Scotland, community-based services are being planned in three cities. Methods In this paper, we report qualitative findings based on interviews with 43 participants, focused on perceptions of DCS and their implementation. Participants were relevant professionals, those with experience of drug use, and family members of those with experience of drug use. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to inform data collection and analysis. We report findings under nine constructs/themes across the five CFIR domains. Results Participants noted the importance of DCS being implemented in low-threshold, trusted services with a harm reduction ethos, and outlined a range of further service design considerations such as speed of testing, and information provided through the analysis process. In relation to the ‘inner setting’, a key finding related to the potential value of leveraging existing resources in order to expand both reach and effectiveness of drug trend communication. The approach of local and national police to DCS, and the attitudes of the public and local community, were described as important external factors which could influence the success (or otherwise) of implementation. Bringing together a range of stakeholders in dialogue and developing tailored communication strategies were seen as ways to build support for DCS. Overall, we found high levels of support and perceived need for DCS amongst all stakeholder groups. Conclusions Our findings present initial implementation considerations for Scotland which could be further explored as DCS are operationalised. Further, our focus on implementation contexts is relevant to research on DCS more generally, given the minimal consideration of such issues in the literature. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T12:40:06Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-27aeef9111ff436bb07241da4d94d914 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1747-597X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T12:40:06Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy |
| spelling | doaj.art-27aeef9111ff436bb07241da4d94d9142024-01-21T12:10:57ZengBMCSubstance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy1747-597X2024-01-0119111810.1186/s13011-023-00590-7Planning and implementing community-based drug checking services in Scotland: a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation researchDanilo Falzon0Hannah Carver1Wendy Masterton2Bruce Wallace3Harry Sumnall4Fiona Measham5Vicki Craik6Rosalind Gittins7Elizabeth V. Aston8Kira Watson9Carole Hunter10Saket Priyadarshi11Tessa Parkes12Faculty of Social Sciences, University of StirlingFaculty of Social Sciences, University of StirlingFaculty of Social Sciences, University of StirlingCanadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of VictoriaSchool of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores UniversityDepartment of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of LiverpoolPublic Health ScotlandPharmacy Department, Aston UniversitySchool of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier UniversityScottish Ambulance ServiceAlcohol and Drug Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and ClydeAlcohol and Drug Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and ClydeFaculty of Social Sciences, University of StirlingAbstract Background Drug checking services (DCS) provide harm reduction support and advice to individuals based on chemical analysis of submitted substances of concern. Whilst there are currently no DCS in Scotland, community-based services are being planned in three cities. Methods In this paper, we report qualitative findings based on interviews with 43 participants, focused on perceptions of DCS and their implementation. Participants were relevant professionals, those with experience of drug use, and family members of those with experience of drug use. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to inform data collection and analysis. We report findings under nine constructs/themes across the five CFIR domains. Results Participants noted the importance of DCS being implemented in low-threshold, trusted services with a harm reduction ethos, and outlined a range of further service design considerations such as speed of testing, and information provided through the analysis process. In relation to the ‘inner setting’, a key finding related to the potential value of leveraging existing resources in order to expand both reach and effectiveness of drug trend communication. The approach of local and national police to DCS, and the attitudes of the public and local community, were described as important external factors which could influence the success (or otherwise) of implementation. Bringing together a range of stakeholders in dialogue and developing tailored communication strategies were seen as ways to build support for DCS. Overall, we found high levels of support and perceived need for DCS amongst all stakeholder groups. Conclusions Our findings present initial implementation considerations for Scotland which could be further explored as DCS are operationalised. Further, our focus on implementation contexts is relevant to research on DCS more generally, given the minimal consideration of such issues in the literature.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-023-00590-7Drug checking servicesHarm reductionSubstance useDrug use interventionsConsolidated framework for implementation researchDrug-related deaths |
| spellingShingle | Danilo Falzon Hannah Carver Wendy Masterton Bruce Wallace Harry Sumnall Fiona Measham Vicki Craik Rosalind Gittins Elizabeth V. Aston Kira Watson Carole Hunter Saket Priyadarshi Tessa Parkes Planning and implementing community-based drug checking services in Scotland: a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation research Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy Drug checking services Harm reduction Substance use Drug use interventions Consolidated framework for implementation research Drug-related deaths |
| title | Planning and implementing community-based drug checking services in Scotland: a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation research |
| title_full | Planning and implementing community-based drug checking services in Scotland: a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation research |
| title_fullStr | Planning and implementing community-based drug checking services in Scotland: a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation research |
| title_full_unstemmed | Planning and implementing community-based drug checking services in Scotland: a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation research |
| title_short | Planning and implementing community-based drug checking services in Scotland: a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation research |
| title_sort | planning and implementing community based drug checking services in scotland a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation research |
| topic | Drug checking services Harm reduction Substance use Drug use interventions Consolidated framework for implementation research Drug-related deaths |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-023-00590-7 |
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