Background: Rhode Island ranks among the highest in the nation for injection drug use associated AIDS cases (over 50%) and syringe reuse rates (mean 24 times per syringe). A pilot intervention of syringe prescription by physicians was initiated last year with the goals of reducing syringe sharing, providing access to primary health care services, and increasing access to substance abuse treatment and other IDU-relevant services. Methods: Each participant receives free medical care, including HIV, hepatitis and TB screening, and, if necessary, a prescription for sterile syringes. Follow-up medical appointments and referrals are scheduled as needed. Interviews occur at enrollment, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: We have enrolled 103 participants. Sixty-six percent are male, 61% are white, 27% black, 54% homeless, and the average age is 41. The drug of choice is heroin (88%). Sixty-six percent do not have a regular doctor. Half of the participants report ever having used the Rhode Island needle exchange, 14% use the exchange on a regular basis. We have 3-month follow-up data for 36 participants who report a decrease in syringe re-use (13.4 times/baseline to 5.3 times/3 months); a decrease in injecting with used syringes (68% to 21%); a decrease in number of injections per day (4.9 to 3); and an increase in current enrollment in substance abuse treatment (30% to 49%). Conclusions: Thus far, physician-patient and pharmacist-patient interactions are positive, demonstrating that syringe prescription is a feasible practice to increase access to sterile syringes and outreach to an underserved community.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the essential components of a pilot intervention of syringe prescription. 2. Identify the high risk behavior patterns of injection drug users enrolled in the study. 3. Discuss the success of syringe prescription with regards to the feasability of the intervention and its stated goals
Keywords: Injection Drug Users, Interventions
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.