Virtual overdose monitoring services: a novel adjunctive harm reduction approach for addressing the overdose crisis

Original research
by
Matskiv, George et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We discuss the best available evidence regarding virtual overdose monitoring services as an additional option for enhancing timely access to harm reduction and overdose response, and describe our initial experience with such a service in Canada.

Findings/Key points

53 adverse events required emergency response and no fatalities were reported. Based on emerging evidence, physicians may consider suggesting virtual overdose monitoring services as an additional option for harm reduction for people who are actively using substances and may require timely emergency support.

Design/methods

Pilot data (2172 calls)

Keywords

Overdose
Digital health
Harm reduction