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Updated: May 9, 2026
10:17
High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Enhancing uptake of the Canadian Prison Needle Exchange Program using a non-randomized stepped-wedge cluster type 1
Olivia Price1,2, Frederick L Altice3,4,5,6, Lynn M Madden3,4
1Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications
|May 8, 2026
Summary
This study tested the Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx) bundle to boost uptake of prison needle exchange programs (PNEPs) in Canada. Findings aim to improve harm reduction and inform global advocacy for these vital programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Implementation Science
- Addiction Treatment
Background:
- Prison needle exchange programs (PNEPs) are proven harm reduction strategies reducing bloodborne virus transmission.
- Canadian federal prisons introduced PNEPs in 2018-2019, but low uptake hinders their effectiveness.
- An implementation gap threatens the individual and population benefits of PNEPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if the Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx) bundle increases PNEP uptake in Canadian federal prisons.
- To assess the effectiveness of implementation strategies in addressing barriers to PNEP adoption.
- To explore factors influencing the implementation and maintenance of PNEPs.
Main Methods:
- A stepped-wedge cluster non-randomised trial across nine federal prisons over 24 months.
- NIATx tools were used to address site-specific barriers to PNEP implementation.
- The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework guided the evaluation.
Main Results:
- The primary outcome is PNEP uptake, measured by participant enrollment.
- Secondary outcomes include kit distribution and bloodborne virus testing (HIV, hepatitis B/C).
- Staff surveys and focus groups will explore implementation influences.
Conclusions:
- NIATx tools are anticipated to enhance PNEP uptake among people who inject drugs in Canadian prisons.
- Findings are expected to support PNEP scale-up, sustainability, and global advocacy.
- This research will inform strategies for improving harm reduction within correctional facilities.
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