Harm reduction evidence

Harm reduction

Social policy in healthcare interventions

aims to benefit the individual, community and society by protecting

Risks from IV drug use

Individual health

individual social wellbeing

community and society

Individual health risks from IV drug use

Overdose, BBVs, skin and soft tissue infection, vascular complications, general poor health and worsened MH

Individual social wellbeing from IV drug use

Social marginalisation, family disruption, income/job/housing loss, criminal activity

Community/society risks from IV drug use

Public health issues - bbvs

community safety - crime

community fears

drug litter

economic and healthcare burden

Hep C virus

Biggest risk factor is injecting drus

can cause liver complications

often asymptomatic (20+years)

12 week course of direct acting retro-antivirals

NSPs

decrease HCV and HIV transmission

engagement - advice

decrease risky behaviours

signpost to support and reach to those to who dont engage

NSP coverage

1. % of injection administrated by sterile needles and syringes

2. No of needles and syringes supplied to each injections drug users per year

3. % of injection drug users in regular contact with NSPs

NSP issues

inadequate coverage, convenience, accessibility, equipment quantity, relationships, confidentiality, staff attitude, provisional additional interventions

Factors associated with increased risk of HCV infection in PWIDS

new injectors

homeless

prison

crack cocaine

How do you get people in contact with services

crisi intervention

safer injecting

bbv screening

hbs vaccination

social support

naloxone supple

pharmacist role

non judgemental

offer privacy

proactive offer of interventions

equipment and know how to use

intervention -signpost

leadership and support to staff

engage with commissioners