Table 1 Semi-structured interview guide
Question Logic | Main Interview Questions | Potential Probing Topics and Prompts | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Gain a better understanding of the harms associated with illicit drug use in the NT | 1. What is your understanding of the current state of illicit drug use across the NT? 2. What do you perceive to be the harms associated with illicit drug use in the NT? 3. In which groups/areas do you see these harms? 4. What are the reasons why these harms might be seen more in these particular areas and/or populations? | • Probe to ensure specific substance use is discussed: cannabis (most common in the NT), cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA, meth/amphetamine, non-prescribed use of pharmaceuticals e.g. opioids; other illicit substances; and any new or emerging drugs of concern • Probe around the concept of ‘harms’. It should be discussed in harms to the individual who is using the drug and harms to other aspects e.g., family, social, and community. • Probe for which primary drug of concern is linked to harms discussed. • Probe as to whether there are any different patterns of needs in different towns/regions of the NT. • Probe re: impact of/on social and cultural determinants of health. | ~ 15–20 min |
Explore needs and priorities to reduce harms associated with illicit drug use | 5. What support is currently in place for those impacted by harms of Illicit drug use? 6. What are the strengths and weaknesses of these supports/services? 7. Are the current services servicing the client groups most at need? 8. What are the needs to support the monitoring and evaluation of these services and programs? 9. What would be the best investments or critical priorities for future illicit drug harm reduction? 10. What are the health workforce needs to address illicit drug harms in the NT? | • Probe for services/programs/policies focused on harm reduction, demand reduction or supply reduction. • Probe for priorities across specific use of substances. • Probe for treatment of comorbidities and adequacy of services supporting socio-cultural determinants of illicit drug use. • Probe for services and investments targeting types of use: non-harmful use/recreational use vs. dependent use. | ~ 15–20 min |
Explore and plan for specific areas of need for future programs supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other priority populations | 11. The NT has a large Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, who are disproportionately impacted by illicit substance use. How might future services best support their needs? 12. What key considerations are needed to ensure future illicit drug harm minimisation programs/services engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities successfully? 13. Are there other priority populations that require targeted health services for illicit drug use? | • Probe to ensure specific substance use is discussed. • Improving/integrating cultural safety, trauma informed care and follow-up support mechanisms • Probe for other high-risk client populations e.g. people in contact with the criminal justice system; LGBTIQA+; young men; people living remotely | ~ 10–15 min |
Provide an opportunity for participants to raise anything not yet said | 14. Thank you all for your time. Is there is anything you would like to say that we did not get a chance to discuss today? | ~ 5 min |