Beyond the test: employee perspectives on the characteristics of drug checking services (2026)

Purpose: This study aims to examine the perspectives of employees involved in drug checking services (DCS) in Slovenia, focusing on sample collection points for illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS). As part of the national harm reduction strategy, DCS enables early detection of dangerous substances, informs public health responses and promotes safer drug-use practices.
Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative evaluation was conducted, including a focus group with seven professionals from various Slovenian NGOs within the wider DCS network.
Findings: Qualitative analysis showed that DCS facilitates contact with previously unreached populations, particularly young people who use drugs (PWUD) recreationally, and supports informed decision-making regarding substance use. Employees highlighted the service's role in reducing health risks, promoting peer education and building community trust. However, challenges such as concerns about anonymity of PWUD, inadequate facilities and limited engagement in counselling were identified. Despite these issues, staff reported gaining valuable knowledge about NPS and improving their counselling skills. The integration of DCS into Slovenia's Early Warning System has strengthened inter-organisational collaboration and improved local drug market monitoring.
Originality/value: This study contributes to a broader understanding of DCS as a public health intervention and underscores the importance of staff perspectives in shaping effective harm reduction policies. Identifying barriers and negative aspects of DCS can inform future service improvements. The effective integration of DCS within the community context provides multiple benefits, enhancing both public health outcomes and community-level harm reduction efforts. [Author's abstract]