“That would be such a game changer”: A qualitative study of the acceptability and feasibility of a digital harm reduction support tool among people who use drugs

Introduction: People who use drugs (PWUD) in the U.S. are often unable to effectively access social services and medical treatment including harm reduction services. A digital harm reduction support tool (DHRST) that would identify a client’s needs and match them to existing community services, is a potential strategy for reducing harms and optimizing access to preferred available services. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of a DHRST among PWUD and its potential for facilitating safer drug use practices and increasing engagement with social and medical services. Methods We recruited a convenience sample of 37 clients from a community harm reduction service provider to participate in semi-structured interviews. Participants were required to be at least 18 years old; speak English; and be able to understand and provide informed consent. Interviews lasted approximately 30 minutes and focused primarily on individuals’ perspectives of a DHRST. Results Most participants expressed enthusiasm for a DHRST. They described it as potentially filling a number of needs including providing information about local harm reduction services and as a platform to exchange information about the safety/quality of local drugs. Participants shared uncertainly about whether a DHRST was needed, fears about privacy, and perceived some risks of providing information about drugs. Conclusions Although participants raised important concerns that would need to be addressed during DHRST development, findings were mostly supportive of DHRST acceptability and feasibility and underscored PWUD’s belief in its potential and willingness to use one.