"They Talk to Me Like a Person" Experiences of People in an Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment Program: A Qualitative Interpretive Description.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore client experiences in a community-based injectable opioid agonist therapy (iOAT) program.

Study setting: The study occurred across two cities in Alberta, Canada.

Study design: The research team conducted secondary interpretive description analysis on qualitative interview transcripts.

Data collection: Twenty-three iOAT clients were interviewed as part of a prior quality improvement initiative. Using secondary analysis of the transcripts, interviews were analyzed for themes, to create an understanding of clients' experiences.

Principal findings: Participants accessed iOAT through other health services, for treatment of opioid use disorder. Participants reported that building trusting and supportive relationships with nurses was crucial to their success in the program. Through these relationships, participants experienced stopping and starting. They stopped behaviors such as illicit drug use, having withdrawal symptoms and anxiety, and prohibited income generation activities. They started taking care of themselves, accessing housing, increasing financial stability, receiving primary care, and connecting with friends and family. The global experience of iOAT was one of positive change for participants.

Conclusions: The findings of this study are largely consistent with other published examples-iOAT programs create benefits for both clients and their communities. Although clients may join the program to access the hydromorphone, the relationships between staff and clients are the key driver of success.