Falzon, D, Carver, H, Masterton, W, Wallace, B, Sumnall, H, Measham, F, Craik, V, Gittins, R, Aston, EV, Watson, K, Hunter, C, Priyadarshi, S and Parkes, T (2024) 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, 19 (1). p. 7. ISSN 1747-597X

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans; Communication; Qualitative Research; Community Health Services; Scotland; Consolidated framework for implementation research; Drug checking services; Drug use interventions; Drug-related deaths; Harm reduction; Public health; Qualitative research; Scotland; Substance use; Humans; Community Health Services; Communication; Scotland; Qualitative Research; 1701 Psychology; Substance Abuse
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Psychology (from Sep 2019)
Publisher:	BioMed Central
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	09 Feb 2024 10:55
Last Modified:	09 Feb 2024 11:00
DOI or ID number:	10.1186/s13011-023-00590-7
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/22568

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