Advancing patient‐centered care for structurally vulnerable drug‐using populations: a qualitative study of the perspectives of people who use drugs regarding the potential integration of harm reduction interventions into hospitals

Aims To explore the perspectives of structurally vulnerable people who use drugs (PWUD) regarding: (1) the potential integration of harm reduction interventions (e.g. supervised drug consumption services, opioid‐assisted treatment) into hospitals; and (2) the implications of these interventions for patient‐centered care, hospital outcomes and drug‐related risks and harms. Design Semi‐structured qualitative interviews. Setting Vancouver, Canada . Participants Thirty structurally vulnerable PWUD who had been discharged from hospital against medical advice within the past 2 years, and hospitalized multiple times over the past 5 years. Measurements Semi‐structured interview guide including questions to elicit perspectives on hospital‐based harm reduction interventions. Findings Participant accounts highlighted that hospital‐based harm reduction interventions would promote patient‐centered care by: (1) prioritizing hospital care access and risk reduction over the enforcement of abstinence‐based drug policies; (2) increasing responsiveness to subjective health needs (e.g. pain and withdrawal symptoms); and (3) fostering ‘culturally safe’ care. Conclusions Hospital‐based harm reduction interventions for people who use drugs, such as supervised drug consumption services and opioid‐assisted treatment, can potentially improve hospital care retention, promote patient‐centered care and reduce adverse health outcomes among people who use drugs.