What impacts the acceptability of wearable devices that detect opioid overdose in people who use opioids? A qualitative study

Original research
by
Tas, Basak et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

UK

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Wearable technologies have potential for remote overdose detection or response but their acceptability among people who use opioids (PWUO) is not well understood. This study explored facilitators and barriers to wearable technology acceptability to PWUO.

Findings/Key points

Three themes emerged: device-, person- and environment-specific factors impacting acceptability. Facilitators included inconspicuousness under the device theme and targeting subpopulations of PWUO at the individual theme. Barriers included affordability of devices and limited technology access within the environment theme. Trust in device accuracy for high and overdose differentiation was a crucial facilitator, while trust between technology and PWUO was a significant environmental barrier.

Design/methods

Semi-structured interviews (n = 7) and three focus groups (n = 17)

Keywords

About PWUD
Digital health