Evaluation of a Drug Checking Training Program for Frontline Harm Reduction Workers and Implications for Practice.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Harm Reduction
• Drug Safety

Background:

• Drug checking is a harm reduction strategy to reduce overdose deaths.
• Current drug checking services have limited reach, especially in non-urban areas.
• A Distributed Model of Drug Checking was developed to address these reach limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a training program for harm reduction workers to deliver drug checking services.
• To assess the effectiveness of a Distributed Model of Drug Checking.

Main Methods:

• A 7-hour training program was delivered to 54 harm reduction workers across 6 locations.
• The training utilized virtual group sessions and hands-on practice.
• Learners used project-developed software, infrared spectrometers, and immunoassay test strips.

Main Results:

• The training was highly acceptable to learners, improving their knowledge and skills.
• Learners demonstrated competence in delivering drug checking via the Distributed Model.
• Drug checking services were successfully expanded to 6 geographically distant locations.

Conclusions:

• A short training program enables harm reduction workers to provide drug checking without dedicated technicians.
• The Distributed Model of Drug Checking is a promising approach to increase service accessibility.
• This model can significantly expand the reach of drug checking for overdose prevention.