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Bucklin R, Evett S, Correa A, Gant M, Lewis M, Askelson N. Developing translational products for adapting evidence-based physical activity interventions in rural communities. JOURNAL OF HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING 2024; 4:69-78. [PMID: 39372060 PMCID: PMC11448914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
The development and distribution of educational materials is a key strategy to support the implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs). Rural communities have higher rates of physical inactivity and face higher burden of many diseases that increased physical activity can prevent. To support the translation of a developed physical activity intervention for adults in micropolitan communities (10,000-50,000 people), called Active Iowa, the University of Iowa Prevention Research Center for Rural Health (PRC-RH) created a toolkit and supplemental resources designed to guide implementers through the implementation of the intervention. Through a community-engaged process, the PRC-RH underwent three phases of review and evaluation of the developed products. The first phase involved the Community Advisory Board from the pilot intervention, the second involved the PRC-RH State Advisory Board and public health practitioners from across the state, and the third involved micropolitan leaders and micropolitan health department staff. The feedback received through these three phases resulted in changes to the developed products to improve usability, readability, and clarity. The feedback also resulted in the development of additional materials to further support the implementation of the intervention. The success the PRC-RH experienced in the review process can be attributed to the strong, established partnerships with practitioners across the state who represented a variety of community roles and organizations. The developed materials can be used to improve physical activity rates in rural and micropolitan communities, in turn reducing chronic diseases and improving the quality of life for rural residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bucklin
- University of Iowa Prevention Research Center for Rural Health,
U.S.A
| | - Stephanie Evett
- University of Iowa Prevention Research Center for Rural Health,
U.S.A
| | - Anna Correa
- University of Iowa Prevention Research Center for Rural Health,
U.S.A
| | - Melissa Gant
- University of Iowa Prevention Research Center for Rural Health,
U.S.A
| | - Michelle Lewis
- Siouxland District Health Department, Sioux City, IA,
U.S.A
| | - Natoshia Askelson
- University of Iowa Prevention Research Center for Rural Health,
U.S.A
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Burns K, Bloom S, Gilbert C, Merner B, Kalla M, Sheri S, Villanueva C, Matenga Ikihele A, Nazer L, Sarmiento RF, Stevens L, Blow N, Chapman W. Centering Digital Health Equity During Technology Innovation: Protocol for a Comprehensive Scoping Review of Evidence-Based Tools and Approaches. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e53855. [PMID: 38838333 PMCID: PMC11187514 DOI: 10.2196/53855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the rush to develop health technologies for the COVID-19 pandemic, the unintended consequence of digital health inequity or the inability of priority communities to access, use, and receive equal benefits from digital health technologies was not well examined. OBJECTIVE This scoping review will examine tools and approaches that can be used during digital technology innovation to improve equitable inclusion of priority communities in the development of digital health technologies. The results from this study will provide actionable insights for professionals in health care, health informatics, digital health, and technology development to proactively center equity during innovation. METHODS Based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework, this scoping review will consider priority communities' equitable involvement in digital technology innovation. Bibliographic databases in health, medicine, computing, and information sciences will be searched. Retrieved citations will be double screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria using Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation). Data will be charted using a tailored extraction tool and mapped to a digital health innovation pathway defined by the Centre for eHealth Research roadmap for eHealth technologies. An accompanying narrative synthesis will describe the outcomes in relation to the review's objectives. RESULTS This scoping review is currently in progress. The search of databases and other sources returned a total of 4868 records. After the initial screening of titles and abstracts, 426 studies are undergoing dual full-text review. We are aiming to complete the full-text review stage by May 30, 2024, data extraction in October 2024, and subsequent synthesis in December 2024. Funding was received on October 1, 2023, from the Centre for Health Equity Incubator Grant Scheme, University of Melbourne, Australia. CONCLUSIONS This paper will identify and recommend a series of validated tools and approaches that can be used by health care stakeholders and IT developers to produce equitable digital health technology across the Centre for eHealth Research roadmap. Identified evidence gaps, possible implications, and further research will be discussed. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/53855.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Burns
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | | | - Cecily Gilbert
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Bronwen Merner
- Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Mahima Kalla
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Sreshta Sheri
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Cleva Villanueva
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Lama Nazer
- King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Raymond Francis Sarmiento
- National Telehealth Center, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lindsay Stevens
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Ngaree Blow
- Medical Education Indigenous Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Wendy Chapman
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
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Benz C, Scott-Jeffs W, McKercher KA, Welsh M, Norman R, Hendrie D, Locantro M, Robinson S. Community-based participatory-research through co-design: supporting collaboration from all sides of disability. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2024; 10:47. [PMID: 38730283 PMCID: PMC11084036 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-024-00573-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As co-design and community-based participatory research gain traction in health and disability, the challenges and benefits of collaboratively conducting research need to be considered. Current literature supports using co-design to improve service quality and create more satisfactory services. However, while the 'why' of using co-design is well understood, there is limited literature on 'how' to co-design. We aimed to describe the application of co-design from start to finish within a specific case study and to reflect on the challenges and benefits created by specific process design choices. METHODS A telepractice re-design project has been a case study example of co-design. The co-design was co-facilitated by an embedded researcher and a peer researcher with lived experience of disability. Embedded in a Western Australian disability organisation, the co-design process included five workshops and a reflection session with a team of 10 lived experience and staff participants (referred to as co-designers) to produce a prototype telepractice model for testing. RESULTS The findings are divided into two components. The first describes the process design choices made throughout the co-design implementation case study. This is followed by a reflection on the benefits and challenges resulting from specific process design choices. The reflective process describes the co-designers' perspective and the researcher's and organisational experiences. Reflections of the co-designers include balancing idealism and realism, the value of small groups, ensuring accessibility and choice, and learning new skills and gaining new insights. The organisational and research-focused reflections included challenges between time for building relationships and the schedules of academic and organisational decision-making, the messiness of co-design juxtaposed with the processes of ethics applications, and the need for inclusive dissemination of findings. CONCLUSIONS The authors advocate that co-design is a useful and outcome-generating methodology that proactively enables the inclusion of people with disability and service providers through community-based participatory research and action. Through our experiences, we recommend community-based participatory research, specifically co-design, to generate creative thinking and service design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cloe Benz
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia.
| | | | | | - Mai Welsh
- Rocky Bay, Mosman Park, WA, Australia
- Therapy Focus, Bentley, Australia
| | - Richard Norman
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | - Delia Hendrie
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| | | | - Suzanne Robinson
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
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Riley K. Observing resuscitative practice. A novice researcher's experience of obtaining ethics approval. Nurs Ethics 2023; 30:1190-1198. [PMID: 37279518 PMCID: PMC10710002 DOI: 10.1177/09697330231166071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Undertaking research involving vulnerable groups, such as those requiring resuscitation involves careful analysis during the ethical review process. When a person lacks the capacity to make an informed choice about their participation in a research study, a waiver of consent offers an alternative. This paper is based on a doctoral research study using ethnography to explore the resuscitative practices and experiences of rural nurses through observation and interviews. This paper aims to explore the ethical issues raised by the Human Research Ethics Committee relating to consent of vulnerable patients requiring resuscitation within a rural context. In particular, the challenges of addressing risk (privacy) vs benefit (public) associated with a waiver of consent. This paper will consider why the rural context should be championed during the ethical review process, when decisions about public benefit are being deliberated. Utilising a communitarianism approach that advocates for greater rural representation during the ethical review processes will ensure that rural research involving vulnerable groups can be addressed safely and benefit not only the experiences and practices of rural nurses but also the wider rural communities they serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Riley
- University of Wollongong, School of Nursing, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Loverock A, Marshall T, Viste D, Safi F, Rioux W, Sedaghat N, Kennedy M, Ghosh SM. Electronic harm reduction interventions for drug overdose monitoring and prevention: A scoping review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 250:110878. [PMID: 37441959 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel strategies are required to address rising overdose deaths across the globe. We sought to identify the breadth and depth of the existing evidence around electronic harm reduction (e-harm reduction) interventions that aimed to reduce the harms associated with substance use. METHODS We conducted a scoping review according to the PRISMA-ScR and PRISMA for Searching guidelines. A health sciences librarian systematically searched seven health databases from inception until January 20, 2023. Citation chaining and reference lists of included studies were searched to identify additional articles. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted and charted the data. Additionally, we conducted a gray literature search and environmental scan to supplement the findings. RESULTS A total of 51 studies met the criteria for inclusion (30 peer-reviewed articles and 21 non-peer reviewed). Most peer-reviewed studies were conducted in Western countries (USA = 23, Canada = 3, Europe = 3, China = 1) and among adult samples (adult = 27, youth/adults =1, unspecified = 2). Study designs were predominantly quantitative (n = 24), with a minority using qualitative (n = 4) or mixed methods (n = 2). Most e-harm reduction interventions were harm reduction (n = 15), followed by education (n = 6), treatment (n = 2), and combined/other approaches (n = 7). Interventions utilized web-based/mobile applications (n = 15), telephone/telehealth (n = 10), and other technology (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS While e-harm reduction technology is promising, further research is required to establish the efficacy and effectiveness of these novel interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Loverock
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405 87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Tyler Marshall
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Dylan Viste
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Fahad Safi
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 2J2.00 Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, 8440 112 St. NW Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Will Rioux
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 2J2.00 Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, 8440 112 St. NW Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Navid Sedaghat
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 2J2.00 Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, 8440 112 St. NW Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
| | | | - S Monty Ghosh
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 2J2.00 Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, 8440 112 St. NW Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
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Claborn K, Samora J, McCormick K, Whittfield Q, Courtois F, Lozada K, Sledge D, Burwell A, Chavez S, Bailey J, Bailey C, Pederson CD, Zagorski C, Hill L, Conway FN, Steiker LH, Cance J, Potter J. "We do it ourselves": strengths and opportunities for improving the practice of harm reduction. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:70. [PMID: 37296459 PMCID: PMC10250854 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00809-7] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unprecedented increases in substance-related overdose fatalities have been observed in Texas and the U.S. since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and have made clear there is considerable need to reduce harms associated with drug use. At the federal level, initiatives have called for widespread dissemination and implementation of evidence-based harm reduction practices to reduce overdose deaths. Implementation of harm reduction strategies is challenging in Texas. There is a paucity of literature on understanding current harm reduction practices in Texas. As such, this qualitative study aims to understand harm reduction practices among people who use drugs (PWUD), harm reductionists, and emergency responders across four counties in Texas. This work would inform future efforts to scale and spread harm reduction in Texas. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with N = 69 key stakeholders (25 harm reductionists; 24 PWUD; 20 emergency responders). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded for emergent themes, and analyzed using Applied Thematic Analysis with Nvivo 12. A community advisory board defined the research questions, reviewed the emergent themes, and assisted with interpretation of the data. RESULTS Emergent themes highlighted barriers to harm reduction at micro and macro levels, from the individual experience of PWUD and harm reductionists to systemic issues in healthcare and the emergency medical response system. Specifically, (1) Texas has existing strengths in overdose prevention and response efforts on which to build, (2) PWUD are fearful of interacting with healthcare and 911 systems, (3) harm reductionists are in increasing need of support for reaching all PWUD communities, and (4) state-level policies may hinder widespread implementation and adoption of evidence-based harm reduction practices. CONCLUSIONS Perspectives from harm reduction stakeholders highlighted existing strengths, avenues for improvement, and specific barriers that currently exist to harm reduction practices in Texas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey Claborn
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Jake Samora
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Katie McCormick
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Quanisha Whittfield
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | | | - Kyle Lozada
- The Center for Healthcare Services, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Daniel Sledge
- Round Rock Fire Department Crisis Response Unit, Round Rock, TX USA
| | - Annie Burwell
- Round Rock Fire Department Crisis Response Unit, Round Rock, TX USA
| | | | | | | | - Chelsea Dalton Pederson
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Claire Zagorski
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Lucas Hill
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Fiona N. Conway
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Lori Holleran Steiker
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
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Shover CL, Spoliansky JG, Godvin M. Polysubstance use and lived experience: new insights into what is needed. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2023:00001504-990000000-00070. [PMID: 37191654 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW During the current overdose crisis in the United States and Canada, both polysubstance use and interventions involving people with lived experience of substance use disorder have grown. This review investigates the intersection of these topics to recommend best practices. RECENT FINDINGS We identified four themes from the recent literature. These are ambivalence about the term lived experience and the practice of using private disclosure to gain rapport or credibility; efficacy of peer participation; promoting equitable participation by fairly compensating staff hired for their lived experience; challenges unique to the current polysubstance-dominated era of the overdose crisis. People with lived experience make important contributions to research and treatment, especially given the additional challenges that polysubstance use creates above and beyond single substance use disorder. The same lived experience that can make someone an excellent peer support worker also often comes with both trauma related to working with people struggling with substance use and lack of opportunities for career advancement. SUMMARY Policy priorities for clinicians, researchers and organizations should include steps to foster equitable participation, such as recognizing expertise by experience with fair compensation; offering career advancement opportunities; and promoting self-determination in how people describe themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Shover
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research
| | - Jordan G Spoliansky
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Morgan Godvin
- The Action Lab, Center for Health Policy and Law, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Taylor ML, Thomas EE, Vitangcol K, Marx W, Campbell KL, Caffery LJ, Haydon HM, Smith AC, Kelly JT. Digital health experiences reported in chronic disease management: An umbrella review of qualitative studies. J Telemed Telecare 2022; 28:705-717. [DOI: 10.1177/1357633x221119620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Digital health interventions can be useful for the management of chronic disease. The aim of this study was to draw out universal themes to understand how people with chronic conditions experience digital health services, programmes, and interventions, and consequently, better inform future digital health delivery. Methods An umbrella review was conducted to identify qualitative systematic reviews reporting digital health experiences in chronic disease. Themes for each included review were independently extracted and appraised by two review authors. Data analysis was conducted using the Constant Comparative method. Results Twenty-two systematic reviews containing 240 individual studies were selected for inclusion. Mental health was the most common condition ( n = 5, 23%), followed by cancer ( n = 4, 18%) or a combination of chronic diseases ( n = 4, 18%). Common themes across the conditions were categorised under nine headings, including: (i) participation and engagement (strong usability and engagement vs reluctance to use digital health when these concepts are ignored), (ii) trust, confidence, and competence (users felt reassured, however technology illiteracy led to a perceived lack of control), (iii) perceived value, perceived effectiveness, transaction cost (gained from efficient aspects of digital health, but also lost through the burden of keeping up with data entry), (iv) perceived care quality (requiring tailoring and fostering motivation), (v) barriers and threats (related to technology risks and challenges), (vi) health outcomes (improved self-management capability), (vii) relationships (improved participant-health professional interaction, but interpersonal aspects such as face-to-face contact were lacking), (viii) unplanned benefit (where digital health often led to users feeling more empowered in their health journey), and (ix) diversity of experiences (reflecting ambivalence of experiences and discipline-specific experiences). Conclusion People with chronic conditions perceive digital health provides feelings of reassurance and the ability to self-manage their condition. While there is ambivalence across the participant experiences reported within the major themes, this umbrella review has outlined a need for future interventions that are user-friendly, flexible, and tailored to individual users. This will be best achieved through a co-design model, with the consumer actively involved in the planning and design of digital health products and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Taylor
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma E Thomas
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kathryn Vitangcol
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- Deakin University, IMPACT, the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Katrina L Campbell
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Healthcare Excellence and Innovation, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Liam J Caffery
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Helen M Haydon
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony C Smith
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jaimon T Kelly
- Centre for Online Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Conway FN, Samora J, Brinkley K, Jeong H, Clinton N, Claborn KR. Impact of COVID-19 among people who use drugs: A qualitative study with harm reduction workers and people who use drugs. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:72. [PMID: 35780109 PMCID: PMC9250267 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00653-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fatal drug overdoses in the USA hit historical records during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, people who used drugs had greater odds of contracting COVID-19, increased drug use due to COVID-related stress, and heightened levels of anxiety and depression. This qualitative study examined the specific ways the pandemic negatively impacted people who use drugs. Methods Qualitative interviews with 24 people who use drugs and 20 substance use harm reduction workers were conducted. Data from the qualitative interviews were analyzed using applied thematic analysis to identify emergent themes based on the a priori research goals. Results Thematic analysis identified several common experiences during the pandemic among people who use drugs. These included mental distress due to financial strain and social isolation; increased drug use; increased risky drug-seeking and use behaviors due to changes in the drug markets; and reduced access to harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services. Conclusions Our study highlighted critical systemic failures that contributed to the rise in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these challenges through policy reform and improved funding models will ensure the sustainability of harm reduction services and increase access to substance use treatment among highly vulnerable people who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona N Conway
- The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, 1925 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Jake Samora
- The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, 1925 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Katlyn Brinkley
- The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, 1925 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Haelim Jeong
- School of Social Work, The University of Alabama, 670 Judy Bonner Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401, USA
| | - Nina Clinton
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2700 18th St, Lubbock, TX, 79410, USA
| | - Kasey R Claborn
- The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, 1925 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, 1601 Trinity Street, Bldg B, Austin, TX, 78701, USA.,Addiction Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, 3001 Lake Austin Boulevard, Suite 1.204, Austin, TX, 78703, USA
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Claborn K, Creech S, Conway FN, Clinton NM, Brinkley KT, Lippard E, Ramos T, Samora J, Miri A, Benzer J. Development of a digital platform to improve community response to overdose and prevention among harm reduction organizations. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:62. [PMID: 35658871 PMCID: PMC9164184 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The overdose crisis in the USA remains a growing and urgent public health concern. Over 108,000 people died due to overdose during 2021. Fatal and non-fatal overdoses are under-reported in the USA due to current surveillance methods. Systemic gaps in overdose data limit the opportunity for data-driven prevention efforts and resource allocation. This study aims to improve overdose surveillance and community response through developing a digital platform for overdose reporting and response among harm reduction organizations. We used a community-engaged, user-center design research approach. We conducted qualitative interviews with N = 44 overdose stakeholders including people who use drugs and harm reductionists. Results highlighted the need for a unified, multilingual reporting system uniquely tailored for harm reduction organizations. Anonymity, data transparency, protection from legal repercussions, data accuracy, and community-branded marketing emerged as key themes for the overdose platform. Emergent themes included the need for real-time data in a dashboard designed for community response and tailored to first responders and harm reduction organizations. This formative study provides the groundwork for improving overdose surveillance and data-driven response through the development of an innovative overdose digital platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jake Samora
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Aaron Miri
- Baptist Health, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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