Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38233933›Full record

ArticleSubstance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy2024

Planning and implementing community-based drug checking services in Scotland: a qualitative exploration using the consolidated framework for implementation research.

Danilo Falzon, Hannah Carver, Wendy Masterton, Bruce Wallace, Harry Sumnall, Fiona Measham, Vicki Craik, Rosalind Gittins, Elizabeth V Aston, Kira Watson and 3 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Interpol review of forensic drug chemistry, 2022-2025.Forensic science international. Synergy · 2026
    Review
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors.

Danilo FalzonFaculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Stirling, UK. d.c.falzon@stir.ac.uk.
Hannah CarverFaculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Stirling, UK.
Wendy MastertonFaculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Stirling, UK.
Bruce WallaceCanadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, BCV8P 5C2, Victoria, Canada.
Harry SumnallSchool of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, L2 2QP, Liverpool, UK.
Fiona MeashamDepartment of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZR, Liverpool, UK.
Vicki CraikPublic Health Scotland, G2 6QE, Glasgow, UK.
Rosalind GittinsPharmacy Department, Aston University, B47ET, Birmingham, UK.
Elizabeth V AstonSchool of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, EH11 4BN, Edinburgh, UK.
Kira WatsonScottish Ambulance Service, EH12 9EB, Edinburgh, UK.
Carole HunterAlcohol and Drug Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, G51 1DP, Glasgow, UK.
Saket PriyadarshiAlcohol and Drug Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, G51 1DP, Glasgow, UK.
Tessa ParkesFaculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Stirling, UK.

Funding

Drug Deaths Taskforce/Corra Foundation 20/5304
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDrug checking services (DCS) provide harm reduction support and advice to individuals based on chemical analysis of submitted substances of concern. Whilst there are currently no DCS in Scotland, community-based services are being planned in three cities.

methodsIn this paper, we report qualitative findings based on interviews with 43 participants, focused on perceptions of DCS and their implementation. Participants were relevant professionals, those with experience of drug use, and family members of those with experience of drug use. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to inform data collection and analysis. We report findings under nine constructs/themes across the five CFIR domains.

resultsParticipants noted the importance of DCS being implemented in low-threshold, trusted services with a harm reduction ethos, and outlined a range of further service design considerations such as speed of testing, and information provided through the analysis process. In relation to the 'inner setting', a key finding related to the potential value of leveraging existing resources in order to expand both reach and effectiveness of drug trend communication. The approach of local and national police to DCS, and the attitudes of the public and local community, were described as important external factors which could influence the success (or otherwise) of implementation. Bringing together a range of stakeholders in dialogue and developing tailored communication strategies were seen as ways to build support for DCS. Overall, we found high levels of support and perceived need for DCS amongst all stakeholder groups.

conclusionsOur findings present initial implementation considerations for Scotland which could be further explored as DCS are operationalised. Further, our focus on implementation contexts is relevant to research on DCS more generally, given the minimal consideration of such issues in the literature.

Indexed as

CommunicationCommunity Health ServicesHumansQualitative ResearchScotlandConsolidated framework for implementation researchDrug checking servicesDrug-related deathsDrug use interventionsHarm reductionPublic healthQualitative researchScotlandSubstance use

Identifiers

PMID38233933
PMCPMC10795311

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.