"Another tool in the toolkit"-Perceptions, suggestions, and concerns of emergency service providers about the implementation of a supervised consumption site.
The International journal on drug policy · 2023-03-25 · Qualitative study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: As Supervised Consumption Sites (SCS) are implemented in the United States, it is important to consider the needs and perceptions of impacted stakeholders. Emergency service providers (ESP) have a central role in responding to the overdose epidemic. This study intended to assess the how ESP perceive the potential implementation of an SCS in their community, as well as solicit program design and implementation-related concerns and suggestions. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted by videoconference with 22 ESP, including firefighters, paramedics, police, and social workers in King County, Washington, USA. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Participants expressed the importance of feeling safe while responding to calls where drug use is involved and highlighted how this perception would be linked to ESP response times to calls from an SCS. Suggestions for improving the perceived safety of an SCS included training program staff in de-escalation as well as planning the layout of the SCS to accommodate ESP. The inadequacy of the emergency department as a point of care for PWUD was also identified as a theme, and some participants expressed enthusiasm regarding the prospect of the SCS as an alternative destination for transport. Finally, support for the SCS model was conditional on the appropriate utilization of emergency services and a reduction in call volume. Participants listed clarifying roles and pursuing opportunities for collaboration as ways to ensure appropriate utilization and maintain positive working relationships. CONCLUSION: This study builds on literature regarding stakeholder perceptions of SCS by focusing on the perceptions of a critically important stakeholder group. Results enhance understanding of what motivates ESP to support SCS implementation in their community. Other novel insights pertain to ESP thoughts about alternative care delivery models and strategies for emergency department visit diversion.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Clinician perspective · Implementation · Interagency collaboration · Paramedics & EMTs · Fire service & police
Related articles
- Is non-conveyance solo-ambulances a useful mean to meet the increasing demand for emergency medical services in Denmark? (BMC Health Serv Res, 2025)
- A community-based ambulance model: lessons for emergency medical services and everyday health systems resilience from South Africa. (Health Policy Plan, 2024)
- Barriers and facilitators to implementing an urban co-responding police-mental health team. (Health Justice, 2018)
- The advantages and challenges experienced with the implementation and delivery of community paramedicine programmes: A qualitative reflexive thematic analysis (Paramedicine, 2023)
- Building integrated, adaptive and responsive healthcare systems - lessons from paramedicine in Ontario, Canada. (BMC Health Serv Res, 2022)
- Opportunities and challenges for multi-professional units in rural areas (International Journal of Emergency Services, 2019)