Safer opioid supply via a biometric dispensing machine: a qualitative study of barriers, facilitators and associated outcomes

Original research
by
Bardwell, Geoff 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 MySafe program provides pharmaceutical-grade opioids to participants with opioid use disorder via a biometric dispensing machine. The objectives of this study were to examine facilitators and barriers to safer supply via the MySafe program and the associated outcomes.

Findings/Key points

Characteristics that facilitated use of the program included accessibility and choice, a lack of consequences for missing doses, nonwitnessed dosing, judgment-free services and an ability to accumulate doses. Barriers included technological issues with the dispensing machine, dosing challenges and prescriptions being tied to individual machines. Participant-reported outcomes included reduced use of illicit drugs, decreased overdose risk, positive financial impacts and improvements in health and well-being.

Design/methods

Semi-structured interviews (n=46)

Keywords

Safer supply
Digital health
Barriers and enablers
Outcomes
About PWUD
Evidence base