Realist Evaluation of OST and NSP in the UK
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the contextual factors that impact on the effective provision of opiate substitution therapy (OST) and needle and syringe programmes (NSP) in the UK: a multi-method study and realist evaluation of what works, for whom and under what circumstances
IRAS ID
284272
Contact name
Alison Munro
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
Many people who inject drugs (PWID) experience serious harms including blood borne viruses and deaths from drug overdose. Some groups of PWID (e.g. those who are older, homeless, new to injecting, stimulant users and those out of treatment) are at more risk of harm and are the focus of this study. Two main harm reduction services in the UK are needle exchanges and opioid substitution treatment (OST) (usually methadone). Although we know these services can reduce harms, there are concerns over whether they are being delivered, and used, in ways that make them most effective and best value for money. If we knew more about this then we could maybe prevent more harms This 2 year, 3 part study, aims to give this understanding.
First, we have reviewed published literature to find out what past research tells us about what helps or hinders effective delivery and use of these services.
Next, an online survey of UK drug service commissioners has been conducted to allow us to know how OST and needle exchanges are provided, to whom, and using which models of delivery.
Third, we will do a ‘realist evaluation’ to understand what service provision models work best, for which groups of PWID and why. It is for this Phase that we seek NHS ethical approval. We have chosen 4 areas of the UK to collect information, using interviews, from various groups – service users, service providers and service commissioners to create and test a theory of what might work best for which groups of PWID. We will also ask people about the cost of services and examine some routine service data to find out the best value way to improve these services for PWID.
We will work with PWID throughout including in publicising the study’s findings by co-producing and co-presenting findings to wide audiences.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
21/WS/0126
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion