The IRIS Program is a multidisciplinary program and research study aimed at improving health outcomes for people who use drugs when they have an infection related to drug injection. Participants can be referred from anywhere in the community. Participants are connected with a system navigator, peer support workers and health care providers to support them throughout the program, and help them work towards any goals they may have. Participants are also given a cell phone and/or phone card if needed to be able to contact them during their time in the program. Research outcomes are collected at baseline, 6 months and through chart review at 6 months. We also do a qualitative interview at 6 months.
We are closing recruitment at the end of September. We have consented 25 people to date but aiming to get 30 before we close. Recruitment has been an ongoing challenge with this project. In particular, being able to connect with people prior to consent if they do not have a phone can be a challenge. Existing and new community connections have been key to getting new referrals, connecting with people and supporting participants.
Research Team: Claire Bodkin (Primary Investigator); Rebecca Clark (Research Coordinator) Contact: Rebecca Clark (clarkr19@mcmaster.ca)
Research Project Update
Research Project Update, VIP Lab