Harm Reduction: A Missing Piece to the Holistic Care of Patients Who Inject Drugs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The rise in injection drug use (IDU) has led to an increase in drug-related infections. Harm reduction is an important strategy for preventing infections among people who inject drugs (PWID). We attempted to evaluate the harm reduction counseling that infectious diseases physicians provide to PWID presenting with infections.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed to physician members of the Emerging Infections Network to inquire about practices used when caring for patients with IDU-related infections.

Results

In total, 534 ID physicians responded to the survey. Of those, 375 (70%) reported routinely caring for PWID. Most respondents report screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis (98%) and discussing the risk of these infe

SUBMITTER: Nolan NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10428197 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature