What's the Cost of Finding the Right Fit? The Cost of Conducting NSP Business in a Range of Modalities

Abstract

The aim of this study was to calculate the cost of a range of needle and syringe program (NSP) models to contribute to planning for effective NSP delivery. Existing health service data was used to estimate the cost per needle distributed across four modes of service delivery (Primary NSP, including one model of Primary NSP providing primary health care; Secondary NSP; Vending Machine and Outreach) over three years. Costs were primarily affected by the ratio of the volume of equipment distributed to staff costs. The average cost per unit for Primary, Secondary and Outreach modes was approximately $1.00. The cost for Vending Machine provision (accounting for income from service users) was the cheapest option at $0.30–0.40 per unit. When income from services users are not included in calculations, other considerations may be more important than cost when making decisions about providing access to NSP services to a marginalized client group with diverse needs.

Keywords

Australia health promotion cost analysis injecting drug use needle and syringe program health services management

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