Theme: Social Science & Policy Research Year: 2022
Background:
In June 2019, Correctional Service Canada implemented Canada’s first and, to date, only Overdose
Prevention Service (OPS). OPS participants are provided sterile injection and drug preparation
equipment to consume their personal supply of drugs under medical supervision.
This paper reports the perspectives of institutional staff on factors mitigating initial concerns and
facilitating OPS acceptance.
Methods:
Following informed consent, confidential anonymous interviews held with all levels of institutional
staff wanting to express an opinion; subsequently supported by purposeful maximum variation
sampling.
Results:
Initial announcement gave rise to mostly negative reactions; new responsibilities seen as antithetical
to and a complete reversal of established roles: “Shocked. Didn’t know how this would work in
Correctional Services. Our job is to keep drugs out – this is backward thinking.” “Goes against zero
tolerance. A slap in the face when give hook to use the drugs.” Three months later, at time of interview,
majority of staff shared experience of a change in attitude: “I’ve changed my attitude. I’m not so
against it. I needed to change my way of thinking and my behavior. I had to step back from how it had
always been done.” Drivers of greater acceptance and understanding repeatedly shared and
recommended for replication include: (1) Senior management team’s ability to quickly deflate and
respond to concerns: “Any snags dealt with immediately. I’m impressed, not what I thought would
happen.” (2) “Up close and personal communication.” Interactive OPS Open House showcasing and
discussing OPS attended by ~150 staff considered pivotal to greater connection and understanding
between correctional and operations staff and heath care services staff.
Conclusion:
Perspectives of experience of implementation of a unique program provided CSCS a sound
evidence base to guide the scale up of OPS sites across Canadian federal institutions.
“We made a touchy thing work. We made it work!”
Disclosure of Interest Statement:
Dr Leonard received funds from Correction Services Canada as an independent evaluator. No
pharmaceutical grants were received in the development of this study.