Using digital technology to reduce drug-related harms: a targeted service users' perspective of the Digital Lifelines Scotland programme.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Deaths due to drug overdose are an international issue, causing an estimated 128,000 global deaths in 2019. Scotland has the highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe, with those in the most deprived areas at greater risk than those in affluent areas. There is a paucity of research on digital solutions, particularly from the perspective of those who use drugs who additionally access harm reduction and homelessness support services. The Digital Lifelines Scotland programme (DLS) provides vulnerable people who use/d drugs with digital devices to connect with services.

Methods

This paper reports on the evaluation of the DLS from the perspective of service users who accessed services for those at risk of drug-related harms. A mixed methods approach was used includ

SUBMITTER: Strachan G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11218389 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature