Desiree Eide

• Rolová, Gabriela; Skurtveit, Svetlana Ondrasova; Bukten, Anne; Odsbu, Ingvild & Eide, Desiree (2026). Factors associated with changes in opioid analgesic prescribing after opioid agonist treatment initiation: A nationwide registry cohort study. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports. 19, p. 100426–100426. doi: 10.1016/j.dadr.2026.100426. Full text in Research Archive
• Melis, Francesca; Castel, Charlotte Jocelyne Yvonne; Eide, Desiree & Clausen, Thomas (2025). Health-related quality of life trajectories of patients in heroin-assisted treatment. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. ISSN 0376-8716. 275. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2025.112839. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background This study investigates health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with opioid use disorder enrolled in heroin-assisted treatment (HAT). While HRQoL in opioid maintenance treatment has been studied, less is known while in HAT. This study aim is to describe HRQoL in HAT, identify different HRQoL trajectories, and examine factors associated with class memberships. Methods This longitudinal cohort study is based on the multi-center Norwegian HAT project. The sample includes all consenting individuals enrolled in treatment from January 2022 to October 2024 (n = 108). HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L, and demographics were collected at baseline and multiple time points. Latent class linear mixed models were employed to identify HRQoL trajectory classes and explore differences in class memberships. Results At admission, participants demonstrated significant HRQoL difficulties across all dimensions, with severity levels higher than those of the general Norwegian population, particularly in Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression. Latent class analysis identified three distinct groups: the largest group (82 %) had a stable HRQoL trajectory, while smaller groups (8 % and 10 %) showed decline and improvement, respectively. Social support, clinic location, parental origin and at least one chronic symptoms were significant predictors of class membership. Conclusion The diverse, lower HRQoL profiles emphasize the need for personalized healthcare and support, making the HAT setting potentially valuable for such tailored care. Treatment participation helps most maintain fairly high HRQoL. The findings confirm the critical role of supportive relationships and effective chronic condition management in HRQoL outcomes.

• Myklebust, Lars Henrik; Eide, Desiree; Wüsthoff, Linda Elise Couessurel; Melis, Francesca; Oldervoll, Ann & Pirro, Silvana De [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Changes in self-reported mental health, anxiety and depression among patients in heroin-assisted treatment: Findings from a Norwegian trial project. European Addiction Research. ISSN 1022-6877. 31, p. 286–296. doi: 10.1159/000547375. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: Norway’s heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) project started in 2022, aimed at targeting individuals with severe opioid use disorder (OUD) who did not benefit from first-line, conventional opioid agonist treatment. The use of pharmaceutical diacetylmorphine in HAT may particularly benefit patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders due to its structured nature, which includes daily contact with outpatient clinics. However, previous findings on mental health outcomes in HAT have been inconclusive. The main aim of this study was to explore changes in patients’ self-rated mental health and anxiety and depression over the first 12 months of HAT in Norway. Methods: We used data from 2 questions about patients’ self-rated mental health and anxiety and depression collected from 79 patients at the start of treatment (baseline) and at 3, 6, and 12 months into treatment. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the changes in the responses over the observational period and to explore the potential effects of predictors such as gender and age, self-reported substance use, and clinic site. Results: We found a gradual improvement in self-rated mental health from baseline over the observational period, with a statistically significant shift in response distribution at the 12-month mark (p = 0.017). The distribution of responses indicating “good” mental health increased with a 35% improvement at 12 months, with a corresponding decline of 48% in “bad” mental health. For self-rated anxiety and depression, we found no change in severity of self-rated symptoms. A decline of 48% in the proportion of responses reporting severe symptoms at 12 months was aligned with a simultaneous increase of 17% reporting moderate symptoms. Age and previous suicide attempts were significant predictors of both outcomes; gender influenced anxiety and depression only, whereas clinic site influenced only mental health ratings. Conclusion: HAT appears to gradually improve patients’ self-rated mental health over time, possibly by enhancing overall psychological well-being. Self-rated symptoms of anxiety and depression may not be affected by this treatment, indicating that psychiatric conditions can persist in HAT for those struggling with them. This highlights the importance of specific psychiatric assessments and targeted interventions for at least a subset of patients, underscoring the need for integrated treatment approaches within HAT programs that address both substance use and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

• Melis, Francesca; Kvamme, Timo L.; Tjagvad, Christian; Eide, Desiree; Thylstrup, Birgitte & Clausen, Thomas [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Health-related quality of life measures as predictors for recurrent hospitalization and mortality among patients in heroin-assisted treatment. Quality of Life Research. ISSN 0962-9343. 34, p. 3365–3376. doi: 10.1007/s11136-025-04019-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose Individuals with opioid use disorder face complex health needs often necessitating hospital-based care, and many reported low health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study assessed HRQoL factors as predictors of recurrent hospital-based care and mortality among heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) patients, identified patient groups with distinct HRQoL trajectories, and compared their hospital contact hours and mortality rates with the general population. Methods A longitudinal cohort study was conducted, involving 541 HAT patients in Denmark from 2010 to 2018, along with a matched sample from the general Danish population. Using recurrent event regression and latent class growth analysis, we analyzed predictors of recurrent hospitalization and established trajectory groups. HRQoL was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and linked to multiple national registry data which provided demographic variables, hospital utilization, and mortality data. Results “General health” emerged as the largest and only significant predictor of recurrent hospitalization. Mortality was predicted by age and ‘role limitations due to emotional problems’. We identified four trajectory groups based on “general health ”, showing either a decreasing or stable trajectory. Groups differed significantly in terms of average hospital contact hours and mortality and all groups had lower ‘general health’ scores and greater mortality than the representative Danish sample. The most severe group had four times higher usage of hospitalization hours. Conclusion SF-36 ‘general health’ is a key risk stratification tool for HAT patients predicting outcomes like hospitalization and mortality. Identifying high-risk individuals can help clinicians implement timely (somatic) care, particularly for long-term patients.

• Melis, Francesca; Clausen, Thomas; Castel, Charlotte Jocelyne Yvonne; Dadras, Omid; Pirro, Silvana De & Myklebust, Lars Henrik Ryther [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2024). Patient Characteristics From Norway’s First Heroin-Assisted Treatment Clinics. Substance use & addiction journal. 46(1), p. 13–24. doi: 10.1177/29767342241271991. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) is an evidence-based treatment option for opioid use disorder (OUD), available in a limited number of countries. Norway implemented a 5-year HAT project in 2022, aiming to assess its effectiveness and its potential integration into the country’s OUD treatment system. This study describes and compares patients’ baseline characteristics from the Oslo and Bergen HAT clinics, providing a comprehensive picture of the unique population and the real-world application of HAT. Methods: This cross-sectional study examines the baseline characteristics of consenting HAT patients within the first 2 years of operation (n = 86). Self-reported questionnaires gathered sociodemographics, previous treatment experiences, self-reported crime, and substance use, as well as motivations and expectations for treatment. Comparisons between the clinics were carried out using t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test. Results: The majority of the patients were enrolled at the Oslo clinic (76%) and were male (80%). At admission, the average age was 45.9, with a significantly younger group in Bergen (42.5 vs 47.3, P < .05). While no patients reported being unhoused, 17% noted unstable housing within the preceding month. Unemployment was prevalent (91%) alongside previous treatment experiences (95%), with a median of 2 prior medication types. In the 3 months preceding HAT initiation, 78% of patients reported being victims of crime, and 44% committed at least one crime. Over their lifetime, 2 in 5 participants (41%) had experienced an unwanted overdose and 43% had shared syringes and equipment. Conclusion: This study reveals a cohort experiencing societal marginalization, including unstable housing, unsatisfactory prior OUD treatment, high-risk behaviors, and frequent interactions with criminal activities, predominantly as victims. While the Oslo and Bergen clinics serve a similar patient profile, notable differences emerged in the reasons for discontinuing past OUD treatment and crime-related factors.

• Ericson, Øystein Bruun; Eide, Desiree; Brendryen, Håvar; Lobmaier, Philipp Paul & Clausen, Thomas (2024). Scaling up! Staff e-learning for a national take-home naloxone program. Frontiers in Digital Health. 6. doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2024.1404646. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree; Gjersing, Linn; Danielsen, Aksel Wüsthoff; Skulberg, Arne Kristian; Dale, Ola & Braarud, Anne-Cathrine [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2024). Heightened mortality risk after a non‐fatal opioid overdose: Risk factors for mortality in the week following emergency treatment. Addiction. ISSN 0965-2140. 119(12), p. 2131–2138. doi: 10.1111/add.16632. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aims To measure all-cause mortality risk after an ambulance-attended non-fatal opioid overdose and associations with number of days following attendance, and individual and clinical characteristics. Design A prospective observational study. Setting Oslo, Norway. Participants Patients treated with naloxone for opioid overdose by Oslo Emergency Services between 1 June 2014 and 31 December 2018. Measurements Medical records were linked to the national Cause of Death Registry (1 June 2014–31 December 2019). Crude mortality rates (CMR) and incidence risk ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for the time periods (0–7 days, 8–31 days, 32–91 days, 92–183 days, >183 days) using multivariate Poisson regression analysis. IRR were estimated for sex, age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), respiration rate, place of attendance and non-transportation following treatment. Robust variance estimates applied due to multiple risk periods. Standardized Mortality Rates (SMR) were estimated. Findings Overall, 890 patients treated for 1764 overdoses contributed to a total time at risk of 3142 person-years (PY). Median number of attendances was 1 (range 1–27). The majority were male (75.5%) and the mean age was 37.7 years. In total, 112 (12.6%) died; 5.2% within 183 days and 2.2% between 184 and 365 days. Acute poisoning was the most common single cause of death (52.7%). The CMR was 3.6 (95% CI = 3.0–4.2) per 100-PY. The women had a SMR of 32 (95% CI = 15.8–57.9) and the men 24.9 (95% CI = 17.7–34.2). The CMR (22.2, 95% CI = 10.6–46.8) was particularly high in the first 7 days, and significantly higher than in the following periods. However, this finding was only valid for those with severe overdose symptoms (GCS score = 3/15 and/or respiratory rate ≤6/min). Except for increasing age, no other indicators were associated with the mortality risk. Conclusion Patients treated by Oslo Emergency Services between June 2014 and December 2018 for a non-fatal opioid overdose with severe overdose symptoms at attendance had an overall high mortality risk compared with the general population, but particularly during the first 7 days after attendance.

• Mcdonald, Rebecca Silvia; Eide, Desiree; Skurtveit, Svetlana Ondrasova & Clausen, Thomas (2024). Pills and the damage done: the opioid epidemic as man-made crisis. Frontiers in Public Health. 11. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1241404. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The prescription opioid epidemic has slowly evolved over the past quarter century with increasingly detrimental consequences for public health. Man-made crises are often unforeseen and characterized by a situation without natural causes where – because of human intent, error, negligence, or the failure of manmade systems – the level of needs in the population exceeds available resources to counter the problem. This paper presents the prescription opioid epidemic as a man-made crisis and explores the public health impact of opioid manufacturers and other industries producing commodities with addictive potential as a shared vulnerability among countries. We examine this concept within the framework of the commercial determinants of health. We address three key aspects of the commercial determinants of health: (1) Cross-industry mechanisms, (2) policy inertia, and (3) the role of industry in science. Within cross-industry mechanisms, we explore parallels between prescription opioid epidemic and unhealthy commodity industries in terms of marketing, corporate use of misinformation, and diversionary tactics. Next, we examine how policy inertia has dominated the slow response to this man-made crisis. Lastly, we discuss how results from clinical trials are used as a key marketing strategy for drugs. The origins of the prescription opioid epidemic may be traced to innovations in drug development with the promise of improved pain management. However, through multiple factors, including fraudulent marketing from pharmaceutical industry and policy inertia, the resulting crisis represents a multi-system failure of regulation exploited by corporate greed.

• Ericson, Øystein Bruun; Eide, Desiree; Lobmaier, Philipp Paul & Clausen, Thomas (2024). Mortality risk and causes of death among people who use opioids in a take-home naloxone cohort. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. ISSN 0376-8716. 255. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111087. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background People who use opioids (PWUO) have an excess mortality from a range of causes. The cumulative effect of behavioral, social, and health risk factors complicates the interpretation of the effects of suitable interventions. This study explores mortality causes among a cohort of PWUO in the take-home naloxone (THN) program. Methods This was a prospective cohort study of PWUO who received THN between 2015 and 2023. Participant data was linked with death registry data. Crude mortality rates and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for all causes, internal causes, and accidental opioid overdoses (AOOs). In addition to age and gender, risk factors like main route of administration, polydrug use, self-experienced overdoses, and using while alone were fitted in a Cox Regression model to explore factors associated with mortality. Results The 2194 participants had a considerably higher mortality ratio for all causes investigated when compared to the general population (SMR=10.9, 95 % CI = 9.3,12.6). AOOs were the most prevalent cause of death (49 %). Those who reported frequent opioid use while alone had an elevated risk of dying of 2.6 (95 % CI = 1.1,6.4) compared to those who never used while alone. Conclusions Frequent opioid use while alone was associated with elevated mortality risk, supporting the importance of overdose prevention education with naloxone distribution, and additional efforts to improve environmental and social areas for safer drug-use practices among PWUO. The variety of mortality causes found in this study illustrates the need for multifaceted and targeted interventions for people at risk of overdosing.

• Nielsen, Suzanne; Horn, Freya; McDonald, Rebecca Silvia; Eide, Desiree; Walley, Alexander Y & Binswanger, Ingrid [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2024). Development of pharmacy-based best practices to support safer use and management of prescription opioids based on an e-Delphi methodology. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy. ISSN 1551-7411. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.09.001. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Opioid utilization and related harm have increased in recent decades, notably in Australia, the United States, Canada, and some European countries. For people who are prescribed opioids, pharmacies offer an accessible, regular point-of-contact, providing a unique opportunity to address opioid prescription drugs risks. Objective This project aimed to develop consensus-based, best practice statements for improving the safer use of prescription opioids through community pharmacy settings. Methods The e-Delphi technique is used to obtain consensus from experts about issues where conclusive evidence is lacking, using multiple rounds of online participation. The investigator group identified an international group of potential participants with relevant expertise who were invited to the study, and asked to identify other experts for invitation. The e-Delphi process comprised three online rounds, involving (1) statement idea generation, (2) developing statement consensus, and (3) confirming and ranking statements. Results A diverse group of 42 experts (76 % female, 6 countries) participated, comprising pharmacists (n = 24, 57 %), medical doctors of differing specialties (n = 12, 29 %), and/or researchers (n = 28, 67 %), with a mean of 15 years’ professional experience (SD = 8.08). Eighty-five statements were initially developed in Round 1, and 78 were supported with amendments, with suggestions to merge and remove items in Round 2, resulting in 72 final statements which were all endorsed in Round 3. Items spanned seven themes: education, monitoring outcomes and risk, deprescribing and pain management, overdose education and naloxone, opioid agonist treatment, staff education, and overarching practices. Preferred terminology was determined in Round 2 and confirmed in Round 3. Conclusions Community pharmacies offer a unique opportunity to support the safer use of prescription opioids. These 72 best practice statements provide practical guidance on specific practices that pharmacists can undertake to support patients' safer use of prescription opioids and prevent or reduce harms from prescribed opioid use.

• Eide, Desiree; Mcdonald, Rebecca Silvia; Hamina, Aleksi; Clausen, Thomas; Odsbu, Ingvild & Skurtveit, Svetlana Ondrasova (2023). Prescription high-risk polysubstance use among opioid maintenance treatment patients. International journal of drug policy. ISSN 0955-3959. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104196. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Among individuals receiving buprenorphine or methadone as opioid maintenance treatment (OMT), concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants, including prescription drugs, can increase risk of overdose. We aimed to 1) determine the prevalence of use of high-risk prescription drugs (opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine-related drugs, and gabapentinoids) among OMT patients, 2) calculate its associations with different mental health and pain-related diagnoses, and 3) compare prevalence of concomitant use with the general population. Methods A national sample comprising all individuals filling at least one prescription of OMT drugs in Norway in 2019 was formed. Healthcare registry data were linked to investigate high-risk prescription drug use and different diagnoses. We calculated one-year prevalence of use, amount dispensed in defined daily doses (DDDs), and the number of prescribers for the different high-risk prescription drugs. Logistic regression was used to determine associations (adjusted odds ratios; aOR, 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) between diagnoses and use. Prevalence of use was calculated both in the OMT patient sample and the general population. Results Among the OMT patient sample (n=7,299), 47.6% (n=3,476) filled prescriptions for benzodiazepines. For each high-risk prescription drug group, there was a median of 1-2 prescribers. Musculoskeletal diagnoses were the strongest factor for concomitant high-risk prescription drug use for both males (aOR 3.23, CI: 2.72-3.85) and females (aOR 3.07, CI: 2.42- 3.90). The 1-year prevalence of benzodiazepine use was 11.4 times higher for males and 7.1 times higher for females in OMT than the general population. The amount in DDDs was higher for every drug for OMT patients than the general population, particularly for benzodiazepines. Conclusions OMT patients frequently filled prescriptions for high-risk drugs, and in higher dosages than the general population. However, we found little evidence of ‘doctor shopping.’ Given that these prescription drugs carry overdose risk, particularly when combined with OMT drugs, our findings emphasize the continued need for education and caution to both prescribers and patients on their concomitant use with OMT.

• Rolova, Gabriela; Eide, Desiree; Gabrhelík, Roman; Odsbu, Ingvild; Clausen, Thomas & Skurtveit, Svetlana Ondrasova (2023). Gender differences in physical morbidity in opioid agonist treatment patients: population-based cohort studies from the Czech Republic and Norway. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. 18(1). doi: 10.1186/s13011-023-00557-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Physical diseases represent a significant burden for opioid agonist treatment (OAT) patients. This study described physical morbidity in two national cohorts of OAT patients focusing on gender differences. Methods This population-based cohort study linking multiple health registers investigated physical diseases (ICD-10) in patients receiving OAT in the Czech Republic (N = 4,280) and Norway (N = 11,389) during 2010–2019. Gender-stratified analysis was performed. Results Overall, we found a large burden of physical morbidity across gender groups in OAT patients. In the Czech Republic and Norway, women in OAT had a significantly higher prevalence of physical diseases across most diagnostic chapters, notably genitourinary diseases and neoplasms. Injuries/external causes and infectious/parasitic diseases were among the most common diseases in both women and men. Viral hepatitis accounted for over half of infectious morbidity in women and men in both cohorts. Conclusions Our findings support the need for early screening, detection, and treatment of diseases and conditions across organ systems and the integration of health promotion activities to reduce physical morbidity in OAT patients. The gender differences underline the need for a tailored approach to address specific medical conditions.

• Metrebian, Nicola; Carter, Ben; Eide, Desiree; Mcdonald, Rebecca Silvia; Neale, Joanne & Parkin, Stephen [Show all 16 contributors for this article] (2023). A study protocol for a European, mixed methods, prospective, cohort study of the effectiveness of naloxone administration by community members, in reversing opioid overdose: NalPORS. BMC Public Health. 23(1). doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16445-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Worldwide, opioid use causes more than 100,000 overdose deaths annually. Naloxone has proven efficacy in reversing opioid overdoses and is approved as an emergency antidote to opioid overdose. Take home naloxone (THN) programmes have been introduced to provide ‘community members’, who are likely to observe opioid overdoses, with naloxone kits and train them to recognise an overdose and administer naloxone. The acceptability and feasibility of THN programmes has been demonstrated, but the real-life effectiveness of naloxone administration by community members is not known. In recent years, the approval of several concentrated naloxone nasal-spray formulations (in addition to injectable formulations, eg.prenoxad) potentially increases acceptability and scope for wider provision. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of THN (all formulations) in real-world conditions. Methods A European, multi-country, prospective cohort study, to assess the use of THN by community members to reverse opioid overdoses in a six-month, follow-up period. Participants provided with THN from participating harm reduction and drug treatment sites will be recruited to the study and followed-up for six months. We are particularly interested in the experiences of community members who have been provided with THN and have witnessed an opioid overdose. All participants who witness an opioid overdose during the six-month period (target approx. 600) will be asked to take part in a structured interview about this event. Of these, 60 will be invited to participate in a qualitative interview. A Post Authorisation Efficacy Study (PAES) for the concentrated nasal naloxone, Nyxoid, has been integrated into the study design. Discussion There are many challenges involved in evaluating the real-life effectiveness of THN. It is not possible to use a randomised trial design, recruitment of community members provided with THN will depend upon recruitment sites distributing THN kits, and the type of THN received by participants will depend on regulations and on local clinical and policy decision-makers. Following up this population, some of whom may be itinerant, over the 6-month study period will be challenging, but we plan to maintain contact with participants through regular text message reminders and staff contact. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05072249. Date of Registration: 8.10.2021

• Melis, Francesca; Hesse, Morten; Eide, Desiree; Thylstrup, Birgitte; Tjagvad, Christian & Brummer, Julie Elizabeth [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Who receives heroin-assisted treatment? A comparison of patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment in Denmark. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. ISSN 0376-8716. 254. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111051. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Since 2010, heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) has been one of the treatment options available to people with opioid use disorder (OUD) in Denmark. This study aimed to characterize HAT patients at treatment start and compare their individual characteristics to those of patients entering traditional opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) with methadone or buprenorphine during the same period. Methods Patients who initiated HAT or OMT with methadone or buprenorphine in Denmark from 2010 to 2018 were included (n=6798). Multiple national registers were linked to compare treatment groups in terms of socio-demographic variables, previous OUD treatment episodes, hospital-based care, and criminal conviction history. Results Nearly all HAT patients had a history of methadone treatment (91%) and half had residential treatment experience (48%). In the year previous to admission, HAT patients recorded the highest percentages of non-fatal overdoses (12%) and chronic hepatitis C diagnoses (16%), and the lowest percentages of psychiatric disorders (11%) compared to traditional OMT patients. Criminal convictions were also common: 39% of the HAT group had committed a property crime and 18% a drug-related crime the year before HAT entry. During the study period, an overall reduction in OMT enrollments for each year was recorded. The HAT proportion to the total remained fairly stable (4%−10%), while the buprenorphine proportion increased. Conclusions In Denmark, OMT patients exhibited numerous vulnerabilities at treatment start, and among the patient groups, HAT patients were the most burdened. HAT seems to reach the target group and adhere to formulated eligibility criteria.

• Eide, Desiree; Skurtveit, Svetlana Ondrasova; Clausen, Thomas; Hesse, Morten; Mravčík, Viktor & Nechanská, Blanka [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2023). Cause-Specific Mortality among Patients in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Multiple Settings: A Prospective Comparative Cohort Study. European Addiction Research. ISSN 1022-6877. 29(4), p. 272–284. doi: 10.1159/000530822. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: Among people receiving current or previous opioid maintenance treatment (OMT), the leading cause of premature death is an opioid overdose. However, other causes of mortality remain high in this group. An understanding of causes of deaths across multiple settings can be useful in informing more comprehensive prevention responses. The aim of this study was to describe all non-overdose causes of death in three national cohorts (Czechia, Denmark, and Norway) among OMT patients and to explore associations of non-overdose mortality with age and gender. Methods: This prospective comparative cohort study used national mortality registry databases for OMT patients from Czechia (2000–2019), Denmark (2000–2018), and Norway (2010–2019). Crude mortality rates and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated as deaths per 1,000 person years for cause-specific mortality. Results: In total, 29,486 patients were included, with 5,322 deaths recorded (18%). We found variations in causes of death among the cohorts and within gender and age groups. The leading non-overdose causes of death were accidents in Czechia and Denmark, and neoplasms in Norway. Cardiovascular deaths were highest in Czechia, particularly for women in OMT (ASMR 3.59 vs. 1.24 in Norway and 1.87 in Denmark). Conclusion: This study found high rates of preventable death among both genders and all age groups. Different demographic structures, variations in risk exposure, as well as variations in coding practices can explain the differences. The findings support increased efforts towards screening and preventative health initiatives among OMT patients specific to the demographic characteristics in different settings.

• Ericson, Øystein Bruun; Eide, Desiree; Lobmaier, Philipp Paul & Clausen, Thomas (2022). Staff preferences towards electronic data collection from a national take-home naloxone program: a cross-sectional study. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. 17(1). doi: 10.1186/s13011-022-00440-y. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree; Lobmaier, Philipp Paul & Clausen, Thomas (2022). Who is using take-home naloxone? An examination of supersavers. Harm Reduction Journal. 19(1). doi: 10.1186/s12954-022-00647-z. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background As the opioid overdose crisis persists and take-home naloxone (THN) programmes expand, it is important that the intervention is targeted towards those most likely to use it. We examined THN program participants to 1) describe those that return for refills, specifically those that reported multiple use (supersavers), and 2) to examine what rescuer characteristics were associated with higher rates of THN use. Methods This study included a cohort of consenting THN recipients from June 2014–June 2021 who completed initial and refill questionnaires from a widespread program in Norway. Age, gender, number of witnessed and experienced overdoses were assessed for associations with higher reported rates of THN use. ‘Supersavers’ reported 3 or more THN uses. Results A total of 1054 participants returned for a THN refill during the study period. Of these, 558 reported their last THN to have been used on an overdose. Supersavers (those that reported 3 or more THN uses) were younger, primarily reported current opioid use, and had witnessed higher rates of overdoses at the time of initial training when compared to non-supersavers (those that reported 0–2 THN uses). Conclusions THN programs should continue to emphasize and prioritize THN for people actively using drugs, particularly those who have witnessed overdoses previously.

• Ericson, Øystein Bruun; Eide, Desiree; Lobmaier, Philipp Paul & Clausen, Thomas (2022). Risks and overdose responses: Participant characteristics from the first seven years of a national take-home naloxone program. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. ISSN 0376-8716. 240:109645, p. 1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109645. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background In 2014, the Norwegian government funded a large-scale take-home naloxone (THN) program to address high overdose mortality rates. The aims of this study are to describe characteristics among persons trained to receive THN, describe actions taken following THN use at an overdose event and to explore factors associated with naloxone use. Methods This was a prospective cohort study of individuals who received THN from 2014 to 2021. Descriptive characteristics were collected at initial training. When returning for refill, participants reported on their previous naloxone use. In a multivariable logistic regression model exploring associations with naloxone use: gender, age, opioid use history, concomitant drug use, injecting, history of experienced or witnessed overdose were included. Results In total, 3527 individuals were included in this study. There were 958 individuals who returned for refills 2303 times. Most participants were male (63.6%), with a history of opioid use (77.5%). Those who reported naloxone use were more likely to have a history of opioid use (aOR= 4.1; 95% CI=2.77,6.1), were younger (aOR=0.98; 95% CI=0.97,0.99) and had witnessed overdoses (aOR=3.3; 95% CI=1.98,5.34). Among current opioid users, the odds were higher for injectors (aOR=1.57; 95% CI=1.18,2.1). Naloxone use was reported 1282 times. Additional actions such as waking the person and calling the ambulance were frequently reported. Survival was reported in almost all cases (94%). Conclusion People who use drugs are a suitable target group for THN-programs, as they seem to be willing and capable to reverse overdoses effectively. Given their personal risk factors for overdosing, recipients will likely also benefit from overdose prevention education.

• Mcdonald, Rebecca Silvia; Eide, Desiree; Abel-Ollo, Katri; Barnsdale, Lee; Carter, Ben & Clausen, Thomas [Show all 24 contributors for this article] (2022). A rapid assessment of take-home naloxone provision during COVID-19 in Europe. International journal of drug policy. ISSN 0955-3959. 107. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103787. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. In the following weeks, most European countries implemented national lockdowns to mitigate viral spread. Services for people who use drugs had to quickly revise their operating procedures to rearrange service provision while adhering to lockdown requirements. Given the scarcity of literature published on overdose prevention during COVID-19 in Europe, we aimed to examine how these changes to service provision affected take-home naloxone (THN) programmes and naloxone availability across Europe. Methods Between November 2020 and January 2021, we conducted a rapid assessment with country experts from European countries that provide THN. We sent country experts a template to report monthly THN distribution data (January 1, 2019-October 31, 2020) and a structured 6-item survey for completion. Results Responses were received from 14 of the 15 European countries with THN provision of which 11 participated in the rapid assessment: Austria, Denmark, England, Estonia, Lithuania, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Spain (Catalonia only), Sweden, and Wales. All reported reduced organisational capacity during COVID-19, and some put into place a range of novel approaches to manage the restrictions on face-to-face service provision. In six countries, the introduction of programme innovation occurred alongside the publication of government guidelines recommending increased THN provision during COVID-19. Eight of the eleven participating countries managed to maintain 2019-level monthly THN distribution rates or even increase provision during the pandemic. Conclusion Through programme innovation supported by public guidelines, many European THN programmes managed to ensure stable or even increased THN provision during the pandemic, despite social distancing and stay-at-home orders affecting client mobility.

• McDonald, Rebecca; Parkin, Stephen; Eide, Desiree Soraya; neale, joanne; Clausen, Thomas & Metrebian, Nicola [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). Rethinking 'carriage' of take-home naloxone. International journal of drug policy. ISSN 0955-3959. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103253. Full text in Research Archive
• Madah-Amiri, Desiree; Gjersing, Linn Renathe & Clausen, Thomas (2019). Naloxone distribution and possession following a large-scale naloxone programme. Addiction. ISSN 0965-2140. 114(1), p. 92–100. doi: 10.1111/add.14425. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aims: To examine uptake following a large‐scale naloxone programme by estimating distribution rates since programme initiation and the proportion among a sample of high‐risk individuals who had attended naloxone training, currently possessed or had used naloxone. We also estimated the likelihood of naloxone possession and use as a function of programme duration, individual descriptive and substance use indicators. Primary outcomes: naloxone possession and use. Random‐intercepts logistic regression models (covariates: male, age, homelessness/shelter use, overdose, incarceration, opioid maintenance treatment, income sources, substance use indicators, programme duration). Findings: Overall, 4631 naloxone nasal sprays were distributed in the two pilot cities, with a cumulative rate of 495 per 100 000 population. In the same two cities, among high‐risk individuals, 44% and 62% reported current naloxone possession. The possession rates of naloxone corresponded well to the duration of each participating city's distribution programme. Overall, in the six distributing cities, 58% reported naloxone training, 43% current possession and 15% naloxone use. The significant indicators for possession were programme duration [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI = 0.82–2.37], female gender (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.20–3.24) and drug‐dealing (aOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.42–3.93). The significant indicators for naloxone use were programme duration (aOR = 1.49 95%, CI = 1.15–1.92), homelessness/shelter use (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.02–4.17), opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) (aOR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.13–3.78), drug‐dealing (aOR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.27–4.54) and heroin injecting (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.04–4.38). Conclusions: A large‐scale naloxone programme in seven Norwegian cities with a cumulative distribution rate of 495 per 100 000 population indicated good saturation in a sample of high‐risk individuals, with programme duration in each city as an important indicator for naloxone possession and use.

• Madah-Amiri, Desiree; Skulberg, Arne Kristian; Næss, Anne-Cathrine Braarud; Dale, Ola; Heyerdahl, Fridtjof & Lobmaier, Philipp Paul [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2018). Ambulance-attended opioid overdoses: An examination into overdose locations and the role of a safe injection facility. Substance Abuse. ISSN 0889-7077. doi: 10.1080/08897077.2018.1485130. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Although the United States and numerous other countries are amidst an opioid overdose crisis, access to safe injection facilities remains limited. Methods: We used prospective data from ambulance journals in Oslo, Norway, to describe the patterns, severity, and outcomes of opioid overdoses and compared these characteristics among various overdose locations. We also examined what role a safe injection facility may have had on these overdoses. Results: Based on 48,825 ambulance calls, 1054 were for opioid overdoses from 465 individuals during 2014 and 2015. The rate of calls for overdoses was 1 out of 48 of the total ambulance calls. Males made up the majority of the sample (n = 368, 79%), and the median age was 35 (range: 18–96). Overdoses occurred in public locations (n = 530, 50.3%), the safe injection facility (n = 353, 33.5%), in private homes (n = 83, 7.9%), and other locations (n = 88, 8.3%). Patients from the safe injection facility and private homes had similarly severe initial clinical symptoms (Glasgow Coma Scale median =3 and respiratory frequency median =4 breaths per minute) when compared with other locations, yet the majority from the safe injection facility did not require further ambulance transport to the hospital (n = 302, 85.6%). Those overdosed in public locations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–2.35), and when the safe injection facility was closed (OR =1.4, 95% CI =1.04–1.89), were more likely to receive transport for further treatment. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the opening hours at the safe injection facility and the overdose location may impact the likelihood of ambulance transport for further treatment.

• Madah-Amiri, Desiree; Clausen, Thomas & Lobmaier, Philipp Paul (2017). Rapid widespread distribution of intranasal naloxone for overdose prevention. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. ISSN 0376-8716. 173, p. 17–23. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.12.013. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: In order to have a substantial impact on overdose prevention, the expansion and scalingup of overdose prevention with naloxone distribution (OPEND) programs are needed. However, limited literature exists on the best method to train the large number of trainers needed to implement such initiatives. Methods: As part of a national overdose prevention strategy, widespread OPEND was implemented throughout multiple low-threshold facilities in Norway. Following a two-hour ‘train-the trainer course’ staff were able to distribute naloxone in their facility. The course was open to all staff, regardless of educational background. To measure the effectiveness of the course, a questionnaire was given to participants immediately before and after the session, assessing knowledge on overdoses and naloxone, as well as attitudes towards the training session and distributing naloxone. Results: In total, 511 staff were trained during 41 trainer sessions. During a two-month survey period, 54 staff participated in a questionnaire study. Knowledge scores significantly improved in all areas following the training (p < 0.001). Attitude scores improved, and the majority of staff found the training useful and intended to distribute naloxone to their clients. Conclusion: Large-scale naloxone distribution programs are likely to continue growing, and will require competent trainers to carry out training sessions. The train-the-trainer model appears to be effective in efficiently training a high volume of trainers, improving trainers’ knowledge and intentions to distribute naloxone. Further research is needed to assess the long term effects of the training session, staffs’ subsequent involvement following the trainer session, and knowledge transferred to the clients.

• Madah-Amiri, Desiree; Clausen, Thomas; Myrmel, Lars; Brattebø, Guttorm & Lobmaier, Philipp Paul (2017). Circumstances surrounding non-fatal opioid overdoses attended by ambulance services. Drug and Alcohol Review. ISSN 0959-5236. 36(3), p. 288–294. doi: 10.1111/dar.12451. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction and Aims: Opioid overdose fatalities are a significant concern globally. Non-fatal overdoses have been described as a strong predictor for future overdoses, and are often attended by the ambulance services. This paper explores characteristics associated with non-fatal overdoses and aims to identify possible trends among these events in an urban area in Norway. Design and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of non-fatal overdoses from Bergen ambulance services from 2012 to 2013. Demographic, temporal and geographic data were explored. Results: During the two years, 463 non-fatal opioid overdoses were attended by ambulance services. Ambulance call-outs occurred primarily during the late afternoon and evening hours of weekdays. Summer months had more overdoses than other seasons, with a peak in August. Overdoses were nearly twice as likely to occur in a public location in August (risk ratio 1.92, P = 0.042). Ambulance response times were more likely to be longer to private locations, and these victims were more likely to be treated and left at the scene. There was no difference in arrival time for drug-related and non-drug related dispatch. Discussion and Conclusions: The temporal patterns suggest that non-fatal overdoses occur during non-recreational time periods. The longer ambulance response time and disposition for private addresses indicate potential opportunities for peer interventions. Our analysis describes circumstances surrounding non-fatal overdoses and can be useful in guiding relevant, targeted prevention interventions.

• Madah-Amiri, Desiree; Myrmel, Lars & Brattebø, Guttorm (2017). Intoxication with GHB/GBL: characteristics and trends from ambulance-attended overdoses. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine. 25:98, p. 1–6. doi: 10.1186/s13049-017-0441-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Overdoses from so-called “club drugs” (GHB/GBL) have become a more frequent cause of overdoses attended by ambulance services. Given its availability, affordability, and lack of awareness of risks, there is a common misconception among users that the drug is relatively safe. Methods This study reviewed ambulance records in Bergen, Norway between 2009 and 2015 for cases of acute poisonings, particularly from suspected GHB/GBL intoxication. Results In total, 1112 cases of GHB and GBL poisoning were identified. GHB was suspected for 995 (89%) of the patients. Men made up the majority of the cases (n = 752, 67.6%) with a median age of 27 years old. Temporal trends for GHB/GBL overdoses displayed a late-night, weekend pattern. The most frequent initial symptoms reported were unconsciousness, or reduced consciousness. Most of the patients required further treatment and transport. During the period from 2009 to 2015, there was a nearly 50% decrease in GHB/GBL overdoses from 2013 to 2014. Discussion The characteristics of GHB/GBL overdose victims shed light on this patient group. The decrease in incidence over the years may be partly due to a legal ban on GBL in Norway, declared in 2010. It may also be due to an increase in the use of MDMA/ecstasy. Conclusion The review of ambulance records on the prehospital treatment of overdoses can be beneficial in monitoring, preparing, and prevention efforts aimed to benefit this vulnerable group.

• Petterson, Aase Grønlien & Madah-Amiri, Desiree (2017). Overdose prevention training with naloxone distribution in a prison in Oslo, Norway: A preliminary study. Harm Reduction Journal. 14:74, p. 1–6. doi: 10.1186/s12954-017-0200-z. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Prison inmates face a ten times increased risk of experiencing a fatal drug overdose during their first 2 weeks upon release than their non-incarcerated counterparts. Naloxone, the antidote to an opioid overdose, has been shown to be feasible and effective when administered by bystanders. Given the particular risk that newly released inmates face, it is vital to assess their knowledge about opioid overdoses, as well as the impact of brief overdose prevention training conducted inside prisons. Methods Prison inmates nearing release (within 6 months) in Oslo, Norway, voluntarily underwent a brief naloxone training. Using a questionnaire, inmates were assessed immediately prior to and following a naloxone training. Descriptive statistics were performed for main outcome variables, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the participants’ two questionnaire scores from pre-and post-training. Results Participating inmates (n = 31) were found to have a high baseline knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, and care regarding opioid overdoses. Nonetheless, a brief naloxone training session prior to release significantly improved knowledge scores in all areas assessed (p < 0.001). The training appears to be most beneficial in improving knowledge regarding the naloxone, including its use, effect, administration, and aftercare procedures. Conclusions Given the high risk of overdosing that prison inmates face upon release, the need for prevention programs is critical. Naloxone training in the prison setting may be an effective means of improving opioid overdose response knowledge for this particularly vulnerable group. Naloxone training provided in the prison setting may improve the ability of inmates to recognize and manage opioid overdoses after their release; however, further studies on a larger scale are needed.

• Madah-Amiri, Desiree; Clausen, Thomas & Lobmaier, Philipp Paul (2016). Utilizing a train-the-trainer model for multi-site naloxone distribution programs. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. ISSN 0376-8716. 163, p. 153–156. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.04.007. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: In order to have a substantial impact on overdose prevention, the expansion and scalingup of overdose prevention with naloxone distribution (OPEND) programs are needed. However, limited literature exists on the best method to train the large number of trainers needed to implement such initiatives. Methods: As part of a national overdose prevention strategy, widespread OPEND was implemented throughout multiple low-threshold facilities in Norway. Following a two-hour ‘train-the trainer course’ staff were able to distribute naloxone in their facility. The course was open to all staff, regardless of educational background. To measure the effectiveness of the course, a questionnaire was given to participants immediately before and after the session, assessing knowledge on overdoses and naloxone, as well as attitudes towards the training session and distributing naloxone. Results: In total, 511 staff were trained during 41 trainer sessions. During a two-month survey period, 54 staff participated in a questionnaire study. Knowledge scores significantly improved in all areas following the training (p < 0.001). Attitude scores improved, and the majority of staff found the training useful and intended to distribute naloxone to their clients. Conclusion: Large-scale naloxone distribution programs are likely to continue growing, and will require competent trainers to carry out training sessions. The train-the-trainer model appears to be effective in efficiently training a high volume of trainers, improving trainers’ knowledge and intentions to distribute naloxone. Further research is needed to assess the long term effects of the training session, staffs’ subsequent involvement following the trainer session, and knowledge transferred to the clients.

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• Gjersing, Linn; Clausen, Thomas; Edvardsen, Hilde Marie Erøy; Bergem, Anne Kristine; Buvik, Kristin & Eide, Desiree [Show all 21 contributors for this article] (2025). Overdoseboka. En helhetlig gjennomgang. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISBN 9788202852610. 284 p. doi: https:/www.cappelendamm.no/boker/overdoseboka-9788202852610. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Boken omhandler et bredt spekter av temaer knyttet til overdoseproblematikk. Den går i dybden på rusmidlers virkning, risikofaktorer og relaterte helseutfordringer. Politikkens og myndighetenes rolle i forebygging og behandling presenteres. Boken utforsker også skadereduksjon og oppfølging i tjenesteapparatet, og gir et innblikk i brukeres, pårørendes og helsepersonells opplevelser og erfaringer. Videre belyses politiets arbeid, obduksjoner og registrering av dødsfall. Målet er at boken kan bidra til en mer helhetlig forståelse, og dermed bedre tjenester og en reduksjon av overdoser.

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• Lunde, Rose Elisabeth & Eide, Desiree (2025). Evaluering av Brukerromsordningen i Norge: funn og hovedtrekk. Full text in Research Archive
• Myklebust, Lars Henrik Ryther; Eide, Desiree; Arnevik, Espen Ajo; Dadras, Omid; Pirro, Silvana De & Ellefsen, Rune [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2024). Evaluation of heroin-assisted treatment in Norway: protocol for a mixed methods study. BMC Health Services Research. 24(1). doi: 10.1186/s12913-024-10767-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) has a convincing evidence base, although variable retention rates suggest that it may not be beneficial for all. One of the options to include more patients is the introduction of heroin-assisted treatment (HAT), which involves the prescribing of pharmaceutical heroin in a clinical supervised setting. Clinical trials suggest that HAT positively affects illicit drug use, criminal behavior, quality of life, and health. The results are less clear for longer-term outcomes such as mortality, level of function and social integration. This protocol describes a longitudinal evaluation of the introduction of HAT into the OAT services in Norway over a 5-year period. The main aim of the project is to study the individual, organizational and societal effects of implementing HAT in the specialized healthcare services for OUD. Methods The project adopts a multidisciplinary approach, where the primary cohort for analysis will consist of approximately 250 patients in Norway, observed during the period of 2022–2026. Cohorts for comparative analysis will include all HAT-patients in Denmark from 2010 to 2022 (N = 500) and all Norwegian patients in conventional OAT (N = 8300). Data comes from individual in-depth and semi-structured interviews, self-report questionnaires, clinical records, and national registries, collected at several time points throughout patients’ courses of treatment. Qualitative analyses will use a flexible inductive thematic approach. Quantitative analyses will employ a wide array of methods including bi-variate parametric and non-parametric tests, and various forms of multivariate modeling. Discussion The project’s primary strength lies in its comprehensive and longitudinal approach. It has the potential to reveal new insights on whether pharmaceutical heroin should be an integral part of integrated conventional OAT services to individually tailor treatments for patients with OUD. This could affect considerations about drug treatment even beyond HAT-specific topics, where an expanded understanding of why some do not succeed with conventional OAT will strengthen the knowledge base for drug treatment in general. Results will be disseminated to the scientific community, clinicians, and policy makers. Trial registration The study was approved by the Norwegian Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK), ref.nr.:195733.

• Ericson, Øystein Bruun; Eide, Desiree; Lobmaier, Philipp Paul & Clausen, Thomas (2024). Correction: Staff preferences towards electronic data collection from a national take-home naloxone program: a cross-sectional study (Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, (2022), 17, 1, (13), 10.1186/s13011-022-00440-y). Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. 19(1). doi: 10.1186/s13011-024-00609-7. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2024). Heroin-assisted treatment in the spectrum of options for opioid maintenance treatment. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree; McDonald, Rebecca & Clausen, Thomas (2024). Overdoses in the drug consumption room: route of administration matters! Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2024). Measuring change for patients receiving heroin-assisted treatment. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2024). Impact of take-home naloxone. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree; Pirro, Silvana De; Myklebust, Lars Henrik Ryther; Melis, Francesca; Oldervoll, Ann & Clausen, Thomas (2024). Norway's first heroin-assisted treatment clinics: initial impact of the intervention. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree; Ericson, Øystein Bruun & Clausen, Thomas (2024). Update on Drug Checking. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2024). Heroin-assisted treatment: midway report results. Full text in Research Archive
• Skulberg, Arne Kristian; Heyerdahl, Fridtjof; Dale, Ola & Eide, Desiree (2024). Vi trenger sanntidsovervåkning av overdoser. 144(8). doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.24.0202. Full text in Research Archive
• Wüsthoff, Linda Elise Couëssurel & Eide, Desiree (2024). Midway report presentation of the HAT project. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2023). Mortality causes among OMT patients. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2023). Meeting people where they're at: harm reduction for people who use drugs. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2023). Mortality causes among OMT patients. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2023). Evidence-base for drug checking services for people who use drugs: report highlights. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2023). Nearly a decade of take-home naloxone in Norway. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2023). Opioids, addiction, and treatment. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2023). Causes of mortality among patients in treatment for opioid use disorder. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2022). Who is using take-home naloxone? An examination of super-savers. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2022). HAB - som ny behandling i LAR. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2022). Ambulance attended overdoses: an examination into overdose locations and the role of the safe injection facility. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2022). Heroin-assisted treatment: preliminary findings. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2022). Who is using take-home naloxone? An examination of super-savers. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2022). GHB/GBL 1,4-BD: risks and options for safer use. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2022). Evidence-base for safer drug use: stimulants and GHB. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2022). To prescribe or not to prescribe? Is that the question? Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2022). Dependence on prescribed medications. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2021). Different drugs, different risks: practical advice for reducing harm. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2021). Overdose management in the prison setting. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2019). Recent developments with take-home naloxone in Norway. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2018). Web applications for training in the use of naloxone nasal spray to prevent opioid overdoses. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2017). Utilizing a train-the trainer model for multi-site naloxone distribution programs. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2017). The Norwegian naloxone program: Experiences from implementing and results. Full text in Research Archive
• Madah-Amiri, Desiree & Clausen, Thomas (2016). The use of public health infrastructure probably the best strategy for national and large-scale naloxone distribution programmes. Addiction. ISSN 0965-2140. 111(7), p. 1309–1310. doi: 10.1111/add.13400. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2016). Widespread distribution of intranasal naloxone: findings from a multi-site overdose prevention porject in Norway. Full text in Research Archive
• Grov, Ellen Karine; Madah-Amiri, Desiree & Kyte, Lars (2015). Klinisk undersøkelse, Grunnleggende kunnskap i klinisk sykepleie Sykepleieboken 1. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202427986. p. 588–618. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2015). Overdose prevention with intranasal naloxone: initial findings. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree (2014). Norwegian nasal naloxone. Full text in Research Archive
• Hanoa, Kristin; Lunde, Rose Elisabeth; Beisland, Sunniva Husevåg & Eide, Desiree (2026). Evaluering av Overdosefare.no. Tidlig implementering og bruk 2026. Senter for Rus- og Avhengighetsforskning (Seraf), UiO. Full text in Research Archive
• Eide, Desiree; Ericson, Øystein Bruun & Clausen, Thomas (2025). Et forslag til plan for rusmiddeltestingstjenester i fire norske byer; på oppdrag fra Helsedirektoratet. Universitetet i Oslo. doi: https:/www.med.uio.no/klinmed/forskning/sentre/seraf/publikasjoner/rapporter/2025/seraf-rapport-1-2025---forslag-til-plan-rusmiddeltesting.pdf. Full text in Research Archive
• Lunde, Rose Elisabeth; Oldervoll, Ann; Clausen, Thomas & Eide, Desiree (2025). Evaluering av brukerrom i Oslo og Bergen. Senter for rus- og avhengighetsforskning. doi: https:/www.med.uio.no/klinmed/forskning/sentre/seraf/publikasjoner/rapporter/2025/seraf-rapport-4-2025-evaluering-av-brukerrom-i-oslo-og-bergen.pdf. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Brukerromsordningen tilbyr hygieniske og trygge rammer for inntak av illegale rusmidler. Formålet med ordningen er å redusere skader knyttet til rusbruk, samt redusere faren for overdose og smittespredning. Det første brukerrommet i Norge ble åpnet i 2005 i Oslo. I årene som har gått, har det skjedd betydelige fremskritt på feltet, blant annet gjennom lovendringer og en utvidelse av tilbudet til å inkludere andre rusmidler enn heroin og andre inntaksformer enn injisering. I dag finnes det brukerrom både i Oslo og Bergen. Tidligere evalueringer, utført av Statens institutt for rusmiddelforskning (SIRUS) i 2007 og 2009, belyste utfordringene ved oppstarten av brukerromsordningen og ga flere anbefalinger. Denne evalueringen er utført etter oppdrag fra Helsedirektoratet og har som mål å bidra med økt og oppdatert kunnskap på feltet. Dette gjøres gjennom å analysere sentrale utviklingsområder og ved å inkludere perspektivene til både ansatte og brukere. Evalueringen har tatt i bruk et blandet metodedesign («mixed methods»). Metodologien inkluderer kvantitativ data om drift, trender og erfaringer i brukerrommene, samlet inn via spørreskjemaer besvart av ledelse og ansatte. I tillegg ble det gjennomført dybdeintervjuer med registrerte brukere ved Prindsen mottakssenter i Oslo. Sistnevnte gir et kvalitativt innblikk i brukernes perspektiver og erfaringer.

• Melis, Francesca; Clausen, Thomas; Thylstrup, Birgitte; Tjagvad, Christian & Eide, Desiree (2025). Evaluering af behandling med lægeordineret heroin i Danmark. University of Oslo (UiO). doi: https:/www.med.uio.no/klinmed/forskning/sentre/seraf/aktuelt/aktuelle-saker/2025/seraf-rapport-2025.pdf. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The purpose of the report is to conduct an evaluation of the Danish HAT program. The report includes how the program has evolved since its implementation in 2010, program challenges from different perspectives and potential areas for improvement, particularly as it relates to patient dignity. The evaluation offers insights into patient outcomes while in treatment, staff and patient impressions on treatment, staff opinions on the treatment guidelines, and operational differences between the five clinics. This evaluation did not conduct a cost-benefit analysis, nor does it offer recommendations for how to update clinical practices guidelines. Such evaluations are outside the scope of this report.

• Eide, Desiree; Bjørnestad, Ronny; Brummer, Julie Elizabeth; Dadras, Omid; Pirro, Silvana De & Ellefsen, Rune [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2024). Midtveisrapport om heroinassistert behandling fra 2022-2023 (SERAF rapport 4/2024). Senter for rus- og avhengighetsforskning. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Denne midtveisrapporten tar for seg de to første årene av Norges første heroinassisterte behandlingsprogram (HAB) som er planlagt å vare ut 2026 som et tidsavgrenset klinisk forsøksprosjekt. Forsøksprosjektet HAB ble etablert som del av legemiddelassistert rehabilitering (LAR) i Oslo og Bergen. Fra 1. januar 2022 til 31. desember 2023 ble 92 av totalt 97 pasienter inkludert i forskningsprosjektet som skal evaluere de to nyetablerte HABklinikkene. Denne rapporten beskriver etableringen av klinikkene, pasienterfaringer og pasientrapporterte resultater mens de var i heroinassistert behandling. Denne rapporten gir en midtveisevaluering av forsøksprosjektet. En endelig og utvidet evalueringsrapport vil bli levert i løpet av første halvdel av 2026.

• Eide, Desiree Soraya; Muller, Ashley Elizabeth & Clausen, Thomas (2019). Behandling av opioiddominert ruslidelse: et prøveprosjekt med heroinassistert behandling. Senter for rus- og avhengighetsforskning (SERAF). Full text in Research Archive
• Madah-Amiri, Desiree; Clausen, Thomas & Lobmaier, Philipp Paul (2017). Opioid overdoses and overdose prevention: The establishment of take-home naloxone in Norway. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Naloxone is the antidote to an opioid overdose, and has long been used by health personnel to reverse overdoses. More recently, non-medical bystanders have also been equipped to recognize and respond to an overdose with naloxone. In 2014 the National Overdose Prevention Strategy included the provision of naloxone to bystanders, becoming one of the first government-supported naloxone programs. The aims of this thesis were to describe characteristics of opioid overdoses occurring in Bergen, Norway, and to evaluate the introduction and implementation of a widespread take-home naloxone program in Norway. This was done using ambulance records, a pre-test post-test analysis, and questionnaires from participants trained to use naloxone. Participants were mostly opioid users, and nearly all had previously witnessed or experienced an overdose. Distribution goals were met within the first 18 months, demonstrating that that the use multiple existing facilities achieved rapid, high volume distribution of naloxone to an at-risk group. Together the findings support the appropriateness and feasibility of implementing a widespread naloxone distribution program.

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