Toward a human-centered use of technology: a stakeholder analysis of harm reduction and CBO staff
- PDF / 1,038,075 Bytes
- 11 Pages / 595.276 x 790.866 pts Page_size
- 102 Downloads / 170 Views
Open Access
RESEARCH
Toward a human‑centered use of technology: a stakeholder analysis of harm reduction and CBO staff Ian David Aronson1,2* , Alex S. Bennett1,2 and Robert Freeman2
Abstract Background: Technology can enable syringe service programs (SSPs) and other community-based organizations (CBOs) operating under a harm reduction framework to work with an increased number of clients and can also enable organizations to offer services more effectively (e.g., offering HIV testing in ways participants may be more likely to accept). In the current time of COVID-19 social distancing, technology can also help organizations more safely provide services to people with compromised immune systems and to clients who might otherwise not be reached. However, technology projects implemented in harm reduction settings are frequently conceptualized and developed by researchers or technology specialists rather than by SSP staff or clients. Methods: To more effectively meet the needs of SSPs and other CBOs across the USA, our team conducted qualitative interviews with 16 individuals who have extensive backgrounds working in the field of harm reduction. Interviews were digitally recorded and professionally transcribed, and the transcripts were checked for accuracy by the interviewers. The resulting transcripts were coded and analyzed to determine emerging themes. Results: Interviewees mentioned the ability of technology to deliver consistent quality messaging to multiple clients at the same time and the potential to customize or tailor technology-based messaging to specific client populations as positive benefits. Clear barriers to technology use also emerged, in particular regarding privacy, data security, and the need to maintain client trust when discussing sensitive issues (e.g., illicit drug use). Conclusions: Technology offers the potential to deliver consistently high-quality health communication and maintain contact with clients who may have no other access to care. If designed and managed effectively, technology can also address issues related to providing services during times when physical contact is limited due to COVID-19 social distancing measures. Keywords: Technology, Harm reduction, Stakeholder, PWUD, COVID-19 Background After 20 years of tragic, record-breaking overdose deaths [1], widespread HCV infection [2], and the expanding dangers of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 [3], there is an unparalleled need for community-based care organizations serving vulnerable populations including people *Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Digital Health Empowerment, Brooklyn, USA Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
who use drugs (PWUD) [4]. At the same time, funding for community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide care to substance users and other underserved populations remains limited, while demand for services can frequently exceed available resources [4]. This may prove especially problematic for organizations serving people who have limited access to health care or
Data Loading...
