Participant identification and recruitment
overdose
VIRUS
Participants were recruited as part of the PHOENIx trial (trial registration: ISRCTN10585019). All participants were homeless adults aged ≥18 years who had a non-fatal drug overdose in the preceding 6 months. Patients were recruited by independent researchers from a range of venues in Glasgow, Scotland, that included the streets, temporary accommodation, and homeless drop-in centres. Participants were randomised 1:1 to the intervention or control group. Data collected included: demographics; living situation; physical and mental health conditions; illicit drug use; diet; social activities; prescribed medications; physiological measures; blood-borne virus status; treatment burden (PETS); psychological distress (Patient Health Questionnaire 4); and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Of 128 participants recruited into the trial, 123 (96.1%) responded to the PETS. All data were collected in person at a face-to-face interview conducted by a research nurse.Participants in the intervention group were offered weekly visits by the PHOENIx team for 6–9.5 months; these visits used a holistic approach to help patients with a wide range of issues, including physical and mental health problems, problem substance misuse, housing, and welfare. All patients (intervention and control) continued to receive care as usual. Usual care comprised all NHS primary and acute care services, community services (for example, community pharmacies), and social care services. All patients were followed up at 6 and then 9 months to repeat the health assessment, including the PETS. The analyses reported here are of the baseline assessment only (pre-intervention). The results of the PHOENIx trial will be made available in a forthcoming report.