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Assessing the Acceptability of a Wearable Versus Implantable Device for Overdose Detection and Naloxone
Allyson L Dir1,2, Brielle L Batch1,2, Vy Le3
1Adolescent Behavioral Health Research Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Background:
Use of medical devices for overdose detection and intervention are important for reducing overdose deaths; however, uptake and adoption has been slow. This study explores acceptability of a preclinical wearable versus implantable device, that detects overdose-induced respiratory failure and administers naloxone, among people who use opioids (PWUO) and individuals in the addiction treatment workforce.
Methods:
Survey data were collected with n = 60 PWUO (73.3% female; 91.7% White; 49.2% used opioids in past 3 months) and n = 126 individuals in the addiction workforce (81% female; 81% White; 13.5% prescribers).
Results:
Acceptability was significantly higher for a wearable than implantable device among both PWUO (t[59] = 3.22, p = 0.001) and workforce participants (t[125] = 7.78, p < 0.001). Among PWUO, those with history of overdose, use of medications for opioid use disorder, and intravenous opioid use rated the device as more acceptable (p's < 0.05). In regression analysis, workforce participants' device acceptability was associated with less stigmatizing views of harm reduction (b = -0.34, p = 0.01); neither demographics nor workplace characteristics were significantly associated (p's > 0.05).
Conclusions:
Results suggest acceptability of a device for overdose detection and naloxone administration among PWUO and the addiction workforce, with more acceptability for a wearable versus implantable device. Individual differences should be considered in further testing and dissemination of such devices.
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