From: Evaluating networked drug checking services in Toronto, Ontario: study protocol and rationale
Measures and outcomes | Data sources |
---|---|
Aim 1: Evaluate the impact of DCS access on changes in and factors influencing overdose and related risk behaviors | |
Self-reported overdose among those that access DCS and those that do not | – Quantitative survey data (intake) – SCS client data |
Proportion of participants reporting increase in protective behaviors (not using alone, carrying naloxone, use of SCS, consultation with staff, smaller/) “tester” dosage, discarding toxic substances) | – Quantitative survey data (intake/post-test) – SCS client data |
Proportion of participants reporting they gained, intend to use, and/or used knowledge and skills | – Quantitative survey data (post-test) – Qualitative interviews |
Aim 2: Investigate the perceived capacity of DCS to prevent overdose | |
Characterize participant perceptions on the capacity of DCS to alter the risk of overdose | – Qualitative interviews |
Identify participant perceptions of contexts, facilitators, and barriers to the use of DCS | – Qualitative interviews |
Aim 3: Identify trends in the composition (qualitative and quantitative) of the unregulated drug supply in Toronto | |
Number of analysis results detecting composition different from participant expectations | – Quantitative survey data (intake) – Drug sample analysis data |
Increase in accuracy and timeliness of alerts in response to dangerous drug trends | – Drug sample analysis data – Qualitative interviews |
Spatial association between frontline harm reduction agencies with DCS and fatal overdose, and changes over time | – First responder and coroner data (from OCC and TPaS) |