Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41692752›Full record

ArticleHarm reduction journal2026

Accessing digital harm reduction services -exploring the impact of the "Here4UScotland" application.

Graeme Strachan, Hadi Daneshvar, Catriona Matheson

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Harm reduction journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Graeme StrachanSchool of Law, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. GStrachan2@sheffield.ac.uk.
Hadi DaneshvarSchool of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.
Catriona MathesonCentre for Healthcare and Community Research, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe unique challenges faced by vulnerable drug users highlight the urgent need for accessible, immediate digital interventions which people can access anywhere and at any time. This study explores the impact of the Here4UScotland virtual supervised consumption app, examining relationships between service users and providers, their separate relationships with harm reduction digital solutions and the app's effects on personal and collaborative service engagement.

methodsThe "Here4UScotland" app was piloted in Aberdeen, Scotland between May 2022 to Aug 2023, which incorporates its gestational inception to front-end live engagement. This qualitative study employed two focus groups (n = 8)). These were conducted independent of semi-structured interviews (n = 21) which individually investigated the various experiences of service users, supporters, and stakeholders. In total 26 people provided data which was thematically analysed using NVivo 12 to look for associated and relevant codes and themes using the Technology, People, Organisational, and Macro-environmental (TPOM) framework.

resultsMain technology themes were video calling, location and privacy and usability/connection. Under 'people' positive relationships, finding identify and enhanced digital safety were described. Organisational themes covered ways to cultivating trust, supporter's responsibility, and associated training for services and supporters. Key concerns emerged regarding the absence of crucial visual cues for staff and the potential for police involvement.

conclusionsDigital interventions like Here4UScotland offer significant benefits in enhancing harm reduction engagement and access, fostering new connections and community among vulnerable populations. Digital access beyond virtual consumption was considered. For successful integration of this technology, it appears crucial to balance technological advantages with ensuring privacy, providing adequate training for staff, and integrating these solutions with existing services, rather than replacing essential human interaction.

Indexed as

Harm ReductionMobile ApplicationsAdultDigital HealthDigital MediaFemaleFocus GroupsHumansMaleQualitative ResearchScotlandDigital harm reductionDrug-related-deathsQualitative researchService providersService usersVisual cues

Identifiers

PMID41692752
PMCPMC13011473

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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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 OpenQuestion graph.