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Peer Support Workers Feasibility Study

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

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.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL

  • Eligible Ages:

    18 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* 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 Criteria:

* Under 18 years of age
* Does not report substance use

Study Location

Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Jessica Moe, MD

[email protected]
Study Sponsored By
University of British Columbia
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT07030192