Implementing drug checking as an illicit drug market intervention within the supply chain in a Canadian setting

Abstract

This research explored drug checking as a market intervention with a potential role in supporting a safer supply within the overdose crisis. We sought the perspectives of potential service users, including those who sell substances. Twenty-six semi-structured interviews were conducted in Victoria, British Columbia (BC), Canada with research guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We identified five overarching themes for implementation: ‘Understanding the role of conflicting policies and market pressures,’ ‘Increasing relative advantage of drug checking through quality results and written reports,’ ‘Establishing safe, discrete locations without the risk of arrest or public knowledge,’ ‘Partnering peers with drug knowledge and skilled technicians,’ and ‘Engaging peers and word of mouth to ensure trust and reputation.’ We heard that criminalization and being responsive to market pressures are the most critical factors in implementing drug checking as a market intervention. To operate within this context, drug checking services need to ensure the provision of high-quality services and products, provided by peers and scientists, with established trust and safety. Promotion of drug checking to facilitate quality products and novel strategies were identified, but pose challenges. Continued development of drug checking technologies and methods is required to be relevant and responsive.

Keywords:

• Drug checking
• harm reduction
• substance use
• fentanyl
• overdose
• implementation science
• consolidated framework for implementation research

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Health Canada (SUAP: 1819-HQ-000042), Island Health Authority (Island Health Scholar (Bernie Pauly)) and Vancouver Foundation under Field of Interest Participatory Action Research Convene (VF: UNR17-0265).