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Vein Search (or a search in vain?) David Robertson Clinical Nurse Specialist in Harm Reduction Camden and Islington Substance Misuse Services What is a vein search? Looking for somewhere to inject But…. What is a vein search? What else can we do with it? What purpose does it serve? How can we make the most of it? What should it be? Reduce injecting damage • Assessment of recent and current injecting • Advise on what to look for (“good veins”), where (“suitable sites”) and How (technique and works) • Educate on good practice/safer drug use/BBV • Encourage reflection • Teach the client how to do it themselves Education • • • • • Why do I need to change my injecting? What am I doing wrong? Why do veins collapse? Why is injecting damaging? How can I reduce the damage? • Increased ability = Increased self esteem Prevention • Most clients present when their veins have run out and new access is limited if there is any at all • Harm Prevention • Be proactive - use the intervention to reduce current damage and prolong vein life Engagement Injecting Risk Assessment, Education and Behaviour Modification Intervention Engagement • • • • • Client centred - about change not abstinence Non-judgmental Harm reduction Practical - It works! Improved faith in service/ Drugs worker =improved engagement Motivation • Change injecting and drug using behaviour • Attendance and Engagement • Think about future Good Practice • • • • • • • All injecting carries risk - not injecting is best Competence and Responsibility Evidence based Accepted practice Limits to advice Dilemmas Relative risks - Client responsibility Ethical Considerations • IS teaching someone to inject the same as encouraging them? • Are we prolonging someone’s injecting career and so increasing the amount of damage? • Shouldn’t we be encouraging people to stop? Contact: [email protected]