Barriers for people who use intravenous drugs in accessing vascular v9
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Barriers for people with Homeless and Intravenous Drug User (IVDU) status in accessing vascular services for venous disease in Bristol: a qualitative research study
IRAS ID
342033
Contact name
Max Bitterlin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
People who are homeless and inject drugs have higher rates of cardiovascular (heart and artery) disease. There are currently no reported studies focussed on venous (vein-related) disease, despite the risk of blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT). DVTs can be deadly if left untreated. Damage to the veins is common in this patient group and can lead to chronic leg ulcers, pain, infection and swelling, which can result in amputation and/or death. This is a health inequality and overstretching finite NHS resources.
Diagnosis requires outpatient ultrasound scans prior to treatment e.g. blood thinning medication and/or surgery. These patients often do not attend these appointments instead presenting at A&E with more critical health. This can result in delayed treatment, higher risk and greater NHS expense.
Ten individuals will be recruited and interviewed in drop-in clinics in a charity and homeless GP practice in Bristol. Staff in these organisations have built rapport and are known to the participants so will direct potential participants. Eligible participants will have a history of venous disease, homelessness and injecting drugs. Semi-structured interviews will be used to explore the barriers faced, which will then be analysed into themes.
Exploring barriers may help to identify ways to improve these patients’ healthcare and outcomes. The known barriers for accessing healthcare are:
• Feeling judged as a drug user
• Basic human needs being a higher priority e.g. food/shelter
• Embarrassment to seek help
Exploring these barriers specifically related to diagnostics and treatment of venous disease will enable the regional vascular services to better understand this patient population. In doing so, the findings can be disseminated with an aim of identifying ways of tackling both the barriers and underlying health inequalities. The long term aim is to refine service provision to improve patient engagement and reduce the burden of chronic venous disease.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
24/WA/0194
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion