A Qualitative Study of User Experiences in Harm Reduction Programs

The ongoing Canadian opioid crisis has resulted in alarming rates of overdoses and related harms. Harm reduction programs have emerged as a crucial public health strategy to mitigate these risks. The Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre (NYFC) offers harm reduction programs that provide a safe injection site and clean supplies to reduce substance use-associated harm. Researchers have not extensively studied the effectiveness and user experience of this program. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of harm reduction programs in mitigating adverse effects of drug use, such as disease transmission and overdose. This in-depth study looked at what program users went through in the NYFC harm reduction program. This was done by looking at the program environment, unexpected outcomes, reasons for seeking services, and obstacles to access. The study used a phenomenological approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with 13 participants and analysing interview data using thematic analysis2 through NVivo. The motivations for seeking services were safety, access to clean supplies, and a non-judgmental environment. Findings revealed that users valued a safe and welcoming atmosphere fostered by friendly, supportive, and non-judgmental staff. The program's positive outcomes included reduced harm, access to resources, and emotional support. Nevertheless, limited operating hours, stigma, small space, and a lack of awareness were identified as barriers to access. The study recommends improving accessibility, enhancing support systems, and addressing unanticipated outcomes like drug use enablement to optimise the program's effectiveness. This study provides valuable insights into user experience within the NYFC program. The findings inform program improvements, enhance service delivery, and contribute to a broader understanding of harm reduction strategies for addressing the opioid crisis. It emphasises the importance of user-centred approaches in developing and implementing effective harm reduction programs.