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Virtual/Mobile Overdose Response in Canada: A Social Return on Investment Analysis
William Rioux1, Dylan Viste2, Stephanie Robertson3
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Summary
Canada's National Overdose Response Service demonstrates significant social return on investment, generating $15.84 for every dollar invested. This harm reduction initiative offers substantial value by preventing overdoses and supporting mental health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Social Impact Assessment
Background:
- The overdose epidemic is a critical public health issue in North America, driving high healthcare expenditures.
- Harm reduction strategies have shown success in mitigating costs, yet evidence on digital interventions like hotlines is limited.
- Evaluating the economic and social impact of overdose response services is crucial for optimizing resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the social return on investment (SROI) of Canada's National Overdose Response Service from a payer's perspective.
- To analyze the implications of the SROI for various stakeholders, including users, operators, the healthcare system, and funders.
- To provide evidence supporting the value of digital harm reduction tools in addressing the overdose crisis.
Main Methods:
- Developed outcome variables using theory of change models in consultation with stakeholders.
- Assigned proxy values to outcome variables based on existing literature and databases.
- Calculated SROI by comparing value generated against operational costs, accounting for deadweight, attribution, and displacement, and applied a discount rate for risk.
Main Results:
- The National Overdose Response Service generated a SROI of $15.84 for every $1 invested over a 2-year period, totaling $1,592,000 in investment.
- Key value drivers include overdose prevention, mental health support, job creation, reduced emergency service use, and improved volunteer well-being.
- Identified costs include operational funding, staff stressors, compassion fatigue, and false calls, which were outweighed by the generated value.
Conclusions:
- The National Overdose Response Service delivers substantial social value that significantly exceeds its operational costs.
- The findings underscore the effectiveness of this overdose response hotline as a valuable harm reduction tool.
- This study provides a strong economic rationale for continued investment in and expansion of such services.
