Providers' knowledge and perception of xylazine in the unregulated drug supply: a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Xylazine is increasingly prevalent in the unregulated opioid supply in the United States. Exposure to this adulterant can lead to significant harm, including prolonged sedation and necrotic wounds. In the absence of literature describing healthcare providers' experiences with treating patients who have been exposed to xylazine, we aimed to explore what gaps must be addressed to improve healthcare education and best practices.

Methods

From October 2023 to February 2024, we conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study, with (1) a quantitative survey phase utilizing convenience sampling of healthcare providers treating patients in Connecticut and (2) a qualitative semi-structured interview phase utilizing purposive sampling of providers with experience trea

SUBMITTER: Hill K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11328386 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature