SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Perspectives on Addressing Harm Reduction During Hospitalization for People Who Use Stimulants: A Qualitative Study of Patients and Hospital-Based Clinicians

Perspectives on Addressing Harm Reduction During Hospitalization for People Who Use Stimulants: A Qualitative Study of Patients and Hospital-Based Clinicians

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This qualitative study explored views on providing harm reduction during hospitalization for patients who use methamphetamine or cocaine. Researchers conducted individual interviews with 13 hospitalized patients and 13 hospital-based clinicians at a large academic medical center in Denver. The hospital had an Addiction Consult Service and existing community harm reduction resources. Using rapid inductive-deductive matrix-based analysis, the authors examined perceived benefits, drawbacks, barriers, and facilitators to hospital-based harm reduction.<br /><br />Overall, both patients and clinicians viewed harm reduction positively and believed it could improve safety, build rapport, and increase trust in the hospital setting. Patients felt that receiving harm reduction materials signaled that staff cared about them, while clinicians described harm reduction as a way to support patients respectfully and nonjudgmentally. However, many participants also had mixed feelings. Some patients worried that harm reduction might “turn on” thoughts about substance use and make it feel more acceptable. Similarly, some clinicians initially feared that offering harm reduction could enable drug use or conflict with abstinence-focused goals.<br /><br />A key finding was that prior education and experience reduced clinician concerns and shifted attitudes toward harm reduction. Clinicians emphasized the importance of formal training to increase comfort with these practices. They also identified workflow and staffing barriers, noting that effective harm reduction in the hospital requires time, coordination, and support from personnel such as social work, pharmacy, or addiction specialists.<br /><br />The study suggests that hospital-based harm reduction can be valuable, but it should be tailored to patient preferences and substance use goals. To make these services sustainable, hospitals may need education for clinicians and dedicated support systems that fit clinical workflows. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Asset Subtitle

Erin Bredenberg

Meta Tag

Author List Bethany Kwan, Catherine Callister, Elizabeth McWilliams, Erin Bredenberg, Gina Kruse, Sarah E. Mann, Susan L. Calcaterra

Category Research

Concept Harm Reduction

Concept Hospitalization

Concept Methamphetamine

Concept Cocaine

Concept Abstinence

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Colorado School of Medicine

Presenting Author Erin Bredenberg

Track Translating Research into Practice

Keywords

harm reduction

hospitalization

methamphetamine

cocaine

addiction consult service

hospital-based clinicians

patient trust

clinician training

workflow barriers

substance use goals

Harm Reduction

Hospitalization

Methamphetamine

Cocaine

Abstinence