Reducing injecting-related injury and diseases in people who inject drugs: Results from a clinician-led brief intervention.

BACKGROUND

The burden of disease associated with injecting-related injury and diseases (IRIDs) is significant among people who inject drugs (PWID).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate a clinician-led brief intervention involving safer injecting messages and demonstration of safer injecting techniques at the time of venepuncture for serological testing.

METHODS

We conducted a before and after evaluation study. History of IRIDs and injecting-related risk behaviours were assessed and compared at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight participants completed the pre-intervention and post-intervention evaluation surveys. Compared to baseline, at follow-up fewer participants reported not cleaning their hands prior to injecting (16% cf 31%; P = 0.039); more reported applying a tourniquet correctly (38% cf 24%; P = 0.008), never missing a vein (56% cf 31%; P = 0.007), and applying pressure for at least one to two minutes after injecting (33% cf 13%; 
P = 0.035).

DISCUSSION: The intervention was found to be feasible, justifying its inclusion into routine clinical care. We recommend that other health services targeting PWID implement similar interventions.