Impact of safer supply programs on injection practices: client and provider experiences in Ontario, Canada

Original research
by
Gagnon, Marilou 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

The aim of this analysis was to explore the impact of safer supply programs on injection practices from the perspective of clients and providers in Ontario, Canada.

Findings/Key points

We identified three themes, each theme corresponding to a change in injection practices. The first change was a decrease in the amount of fentanyl used and a decrease in injection frequency. The second change involved switching to injecting hydromorphone tablets instead of fentanyl. Finally, the third change was stopping injecting altogether and taking safer supply medications orally.

Design/methods

Qualitative interviews with 52 clients and 21 providers

Keywords

Injecting drugs
Evidence base
Safer supply
About PWUD
About prescribers