Nurse-Assisted Injection: Perceptions of Dependent Injectors in Ontario, Canada
Abstract
Within supervised consumption sites (SCSs), injection support is limited for dependent injectors. Nurse-assisted injection has the potential to improve services for this vulnerable population by ensuring more reliable support. This study aimed to understand dependent injectors’ lived experiences at SCSs, while exploring the potential benefits and challenges of nurse assistance from their perspective. An in-depth case study methodology, guided by critical social theory, was used to explore the research questions at a site located in Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants, who identified the site of study as a safe space to receive injection support. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for nurse-assisted injection and outline the potential benefits and challenges of this practice including further harm reduction, improved service efficiency, injector liability, and potential for violence against nurses. The findings of this study may inform future inquiry into nurse-assisted injection, along with policy change and practice implementation.