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Table 1 Measures, outcomes, and data sources

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)