Barriers and facilitators of naloxone and safe injection facility interventions to reduce opioid drug-related deaths: A qualitative analysis

Original research
by
Miller, Nicole M., Claire Campbell & Gillian W. Shorter

Release Date

2023

Geography

Ireland

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing naloxone and a supervised injection facility (SIF) to reduce opioid drug-related deaths in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI).

Findings/Key points

The findings illustrated that stigma within the media, health centers, and the community was a significant barrier to naloxone distribution and SIF implementation. Policing and community intimidation were reported to hinder naloxone carriage in both the ROI and NI, while threats of paramilitary violence towards people who use drugs were unique to NI. Municipal government delays and policy maker apathy were reported to hinder SIF implementation in the ROI. Participants suggested peer-to-peer naloxone delivery and amending legislation to facilitate non-prescription naloxone would increase naloxone uptake. Participants recommended using webinars, Town Halls, and a Citizens’ Assembly as tools to advocate for SIF implementation.

Design/methods

Semi-structured interviews (n=23)

Keywords

Harm reduction
Barriers and enablers
SCS/OPS
Policy/Regulatory