Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a peer-delivered, relational, harm reduction intervention to improve mental health, quality of life, and related outcomes, for people experiencing homelessness and substance use problems: protocol for the 'SHARPS' cluster randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Those experiencing homelessness and problem substance use find it challenging to access the healthcare and treatment they need. The Supporting Harm Reduction through Peer Support (SHARPS) feasibility study demonstrated that Peer Navigators can help these individuals to improve their service engagement, increase access to opioid substitution therapy, and lead to reductions in drug use and risky injection practices. Specifically, participants indicated that the lived experience of Peer Navigators was particularly helpful by enabling the development of trusting relationships. A cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) will now assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a Peer Navigator intervention with this population.

Methods

A two-arm, pragmatic, cRCT wi

SUBMITTER: Parkes T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12790120 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature