A scoping review of implementation considerations for harm reduction vending machines

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Implementation Science
• Drug Use Interventions

Background:

• Community-based harm reduction vending machines (HRVM) have a long history internationally.
• Recent increase in HRVM implementation in the United States necessitates a review of evidence.
• This scoping review examines facilitators and barriers to HRVM implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To consolidate and examine the existing literature on the implementation of harm reduction vending machines.
• To identify best practices and challenges associated with HRVM implementation using established frameworks.

Main Methods:

• A five-stage scoping review process was employed.
• Literature search conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.
• Implementation constructs from RE-AIM and CFIR frameworks were used for data extraction.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two studies were included in the review.
• Evidence addressed all Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) constructs.
• Positive outcomes included increased program reach and after-hours availability.

Conclusions:

• Key HRVM implementation best practices involve maximizing accessibility (24/7), offering syringe disposal, enabling data collection, and ensuring anonymity.
• Establishing robust feedback loops between organizations, participants, and the community is crucial.
• Future research should focus on rigorous effectiveness studies and examining HRVM reach across diverse ethnic and racial groups.