A pilot study of a mixed-method approach to design an ED-based peer mHealth referral tool for HIV/HCV and opioid overdose prevention services.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The intersecting epidemics of opioid misuse, injection drug use, and HIV/HCV have resulted in record overdose deaths and sustained high levels of HIV/HCV transmissions. Literature on social networks suggests opportunities to connect people who use drugs (PWUD) and their peers to HIV/HCV and opioid overdose prevention services. However, little evidence exists on how to design such peer referral interventions in emergency department (ED) settings.

Methods

A mixed-method study was conducted to assess the feasibility of an mHealth-facilitated 'patient to peer social network referral program' for PWUD. In-depth interviews (IDIs) and quantitative surveys were conducted with urban ED patients (n = 15), along with 3 focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 19).

Results

SUBMITTER: Knaub RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9620482 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature