Client experiences using a new supervised consumption service in Sudbury, Ontario: A qualitative study

Original research
by
Ali, Farihah et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We undertook a qualitative study exploring experiences among clients who used the consumption service inside The Spot.

Findings/Key points

Administrative site utilization data highlighted a relatively stable increase in uptake and utilization of the site since its inception. A total of 20 clients participated in the survey and semi-structured interviews. Participants described the importance of the site in preventing and responding to overdoses, providing a safe and comfortable environment to consume their drugs, and decreasing public drug use, which they suggested may potentially reduce stigmatization in the community. However, clients also suggested challenges, including issues regarding site operational policies that hindered consumption room utilization. Service suggestions made by clients to improve site utilization include the addition of inhalation services, relocating the site to a location in downtown Sudbury where PWUD commonly congregate, and extending operational hours.

Design/methods

Brief survey plus semi-structured qualitative interviews (n=20)

Keywords

SCS/OPS