RESpiratory monitoring reduCing drUg harm, the RESCU project

Scotland has the highest number of drug related deaths (DRDs) per capita out of any European country (National Records of Scotland, 2021). The majority of DRDs in Scotland occur due to opioid induced respiratory depression (OIRD) (Information Services Division ISD - NHS National Services Scotland, 2018). OIRD is caused by opioid drugs decreasing the sensitivity of the brain stem to rises in CO2, which can lead to rapid respiratory failure.

Naloxone is effective at overdose reversal; however, its administration requires bystander presence. 62.9% DRDs in Tayside occurred when individuals used substances alone (Tayside Drug Death Review Group, 2019). Preventing overdoses in people who use drugs (PWUD) alone is therefore an unmet need.

This project is an ongoing mixed-methods observational cohort study aiming to investigate whether an accelerometer sensor attached to the chest can accurately and reliably capture respiratory patterns of PWUD to determine trigger points for an emergency response during an overdose.

The study aims to assess the acceptability of the device to PWUD and first responder stakeholder groups from the third sector support groups and first responders to create an intervention pathway. The planned study duration is 12 months, from January 2022 to January 2023.