RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07030192

Peer Support Workers Feasibility Study

Promoting Safety and Equity in Chaos: A Feasibility Study of Peer Support Workers to Support People Who Use Drugs in Emergency Departments

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrollment

3,181 participants

Start Date

Nov 23, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Summary

Many people with high-risk opioid use visit emergency departments (EDs), facing a high risk of death if they leave before completing care. Peer support workers (Peer) - people with lived experience of substance use - may improve patient comfort, reduce early departures, and potentially lower mortality rates. This study aims to evaluate how a hospital-implemented ED Peer program can enhance patient support, reduce barriers to care, and provide harm-reduction resources in a person-centred and trauma-informed manner. The study will also validate the outcome and obtain preliminary estimates of the benefits of decreasing patients who leave the ED before completing care.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

Emergency Department (ED) patient at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)
Age 18 years or older
Identified as using substances
Able to receive or decline peer support services during the ED visit

Exclusion Criteria2

Under 18 years of age
Does not report substance use

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALPeer support service

Peers approach identified patients who could potentially benefit from peer support services. Peers offer a range of supports tailored to individual patients' needs, which include referrals to clinical and social support services (e.g., social work, addictions specialist, Indigenous patient navigator, community-based addictions resources), resources (e.g., blankets, food, naloxone kit, sterile drug use supplies, information brochures), providing emotional support, and liaising between patients and healthcare providers to communicate information about patients' condition and ED trajectory. Peer support workers share their personal experiences to guide patients through their ED visit and to facilitate awareness and understanding of available resources.