Feeling safer: effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of continuous pulse oximetry for people who smoke opioids at overdose prevention services in British Columbia, Canada
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Continuous pulse oximetry monitoring at overdose prevention services (OPS) effectively supported physical distancing for people who smoke opioids. This novel protocol was feasible and acceptable, enhancing safety and confidence for users.
Area Of Science
- Public Health
- Substance Use Harm Reduction
- Clinical Technology Implementation
Background
- Opioid smoking is a major driver of fatal overdoses in British Columbia, exacerbated by reduced risk perception and limited harm reduction services.
- Overdose prevention services (OPS) provide supervised settings for drug consumption, crucial for mitigating risks associated with unregulated opioid use.
- Continuous pulse oximetry, a tool for real-time oxygen monitoring, offers potential for remote patient assessment, especially relevant during public health crises.
Purpose Of The Study
- To evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a novel continuous pulse oximetry protocol for monitoring individuals who smoke opioids at OPS.
- To enable physical distancing within OPS, addressing COVID-19 requirements and minimizing staff exposure to vaporized opioids.
- To enhance the safety and accessibility of harm reduction services for people who smoke opioids.
Main Methods
- A mixed-methods survey study was conducted, developing a continuous pulse oximetry protocol in collaboration with clinical experts and individuals with lived experience.
- The protocol was implemented at four OPS in British Columbia that permit smoking from March to August 2021.
- Data collection involved peer researchers gathering demographic, health, and substance use information, alongside structured observations and post-monitoring surveys from OPS clients, staff, and peer researchers.
Main Results
- The study included 599 smoking events involving 599 participants with a mean age of 38.5 years; 73% were male.
- Participants predominantly used fentanyl, heroin, or "down" (98%), with 48% reporting concurrent substance use and 36% having experienced an overdose while smoking.
- Respondents reported the protocol facilitated physical distancing, was easy to use, highly satisfactory, improved confidence and sense of safety, and expressed willingness to use it again.
Conclusions
- Continuous pulse oximetry provides a viable method for safe physical distancing among people who smoke opioids at OPS.
- The implemented protocol demonstrated feasibility and acceptability in monitoring this population.
- This technology can enhance the safety and effectiveness of harm reduction services within overdose prevention settings.
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