CompletedInterventional

NHS and third sector homelessness worker outreach for people experiencing homelessness, to reduce the risk of street drug overdose

This study, called PHOENIx, is for homeless adults in Scotland who have faced difficulties like street drug use, overdoses, and police involvement. These individuals often have poorer health and don't get the healthcare others do. The study aims to see if regular, supportive visits can make a difference. Participants will be split into two groups: one group will receive weekly visits for about nine months from an NHS pharmacist or nurse, working alongside a homelessness charity worker. These visits will happen wherever the person is and focus on health, housing, and other practical support. The other group will receive their usual care. The goal is to reduce street drug overdoses, hospital visits, and criminal activity, while improving overall health and quality of life for these vulnerable individuals.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

NHS Lothian ACCORD

Enrolment target

378

Start

12 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

25 Jun 2025

Prevention of overdose and emergency healthcare use in people experiencing homelessness with additional severe disadvantages e.g. previous overdose and criminal justice encounters

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK face tough challenges like homelessness, using street drugs, and having been in trouble with the police. We call this 'severe and multiple disadvantage'. Sadly, people in this situation often die much younger than those with stable homes, and a common reason is street drug overdose. They often struggle to get the healthcare and support that most people take for granted, which can lead to serious untreated health problems.

This study, called PHOENIx, wants to find a better way to help. We know from what people have told us that having trusted, supportive relationships and healthcare that is understanding can make a big difference. This includes helping them find a safe place to live, avoiding drug overdoses, and needing fewer trips to the hospital.

Our aim is to offer people facing these challenges weekly visits from a dedicated team: an NHS pharmacist or nurse, working together with a homelessness charity worker. This team will go to where the person is, offering health advice, help with prescriptions, and practical support like finding housing and welfare benefits. By offering this consistent help, we hope to improve their health, reduce overdoses and hospital visits, and ultimately help them live better, more stable lives. We will also look at how much these visits cost and ask both the participants and staff how they feel about the support.

Key takeaways

The study helps homeless adults who've faced tough challenges like drug use and police involvement.
It tests if weekly visits from a health worker and charity worker can improve lives.
Visits offer healthcare, prescriptions, and support for housing and benefits.
The goal is to reduce overdoses, hospital visits, and improve overall health and stability.
Participation lasts about 9 months; half of participants get extra visits, half get usual care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 100 who are currently homeless. To take part, you also need to have a history of having overdosed on street drugs at some point in the past, and have had involvement with the police or criminal justice system.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you live in a place that provides 24-hour medical care, this study might not be suitable for you. Also, if there are concerns that you might pose a safety risk to yourself or others, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Finally, if you're unable to understand and agree to take part in the study (for instance, if you're under the influence of drugs or alcohol), we wouldn't be able to include you at that moment. However, the researchers might offer to speak with you again at a later time when you're feeling better.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently homeless?
Have you ever had a street drug overdose in the past?
Have you previously been involved with the police or criminal justice system?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement would last for about nine months. Around 300 to 400 people will be involved in total. Once you've agreed to take part, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups, like flipping a coin. You won't get to choose which group you're in.

One group will receive their usual support and care, just as they would normally. The other group will get weekly visits for about half an hour from an NHS pharmacist or nurse, along with a homelessness charity worker. These visits will happen wherever you are. The health worker will focus on your health needs and can even provide prescriptions, while the charity worker will help with things like finding a stable home, understanding benefits, and connecting you with social activities.

Both groups will be followed to see how their health and lives change over the nine-month period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer several benefits. If you're in the group receiving weekly visits, you'll have more contact with highly trained NHS healthcare professionals who can prescribe medicines, which could lead to better treatment for your health conditions and overall improved health. You'll also get support from homelessness charity workers to help you move towards stable housing and recovery. People have told us that the strong, caring relationships built through these regular visits are just as important as the practical help you receive. There are no notable risks associated with participating beyond what you might encounter in your daily life. Remember, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (6)

Edinburgh
Approximate
Edinburgh, Scotland
Inverness
Approximate
Inverness, Scotland
Dundee
Approximate
Dundee, Scotland
Ayrshire
Approximate
-, Scotland
Aberdeen
Approximate
Aberdeen, Scotland
Lanarkshire
Approximate
-, Scotland

Common questions

What is 'severe and multiple disadvantage'?

It means someone is experiencing homelessness, using street drugs, and has been involved with the police.

Who will be visiting me if I'm in that group?

A team of two: an NHS pharmacist or nurse, and a worker from a homelessness charity.

Where will these visits happen?

The team will come to wherever you are, offering support in a place that suits you.

How long will the visits last?

Each visit will be about half an hour, and they will happen weekly for roughly nine months.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting the care you usually receive.

How to find out more

Richard Lowrie

Richard.lowrie@ed.ac.uk +44 (0)7971 827565 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.