SISCO

The SISCO (Supervised Inhalation Sites Cohort) Study is a four-year research project evaluating supervised inhalation services within SCS/OPS settings. In 2025, smoking was associated with approximately 65% of deaths related to the unregulated drug supply in BC. In response there has been a scale up of smoking-specific harm reduction sites and services in some regions. With little scientific information regarding the use and impact of these sites currently, SISCO was designed to address this critical evidence gap by accessing the acceptability, use, and health impacts of supervised inhalation sites, while also centering the experiences and needs of clients.

 

The evidence gathered from SISCO will help us better understand the impact of these sites and inform how these services can be improved and expanded, in order to better respond to the unregulated drug poisoning crisis. With strong involvement from key partners across the province, this study will shape more inclusive, responsive, and life-saving health services across Canada.

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What does SISCO involve?

SISCO involves a brief survey which allows us to learn from people who have recently (in the past month) used one of the participating supervised inhalation sites located in Vancouver. Surveys are administered in three waves (approximately 6 months apart). The study is an open cohort study design so eligible participants can complete any/all waves of the survey. Additional data is accessed by linking survey data to client’s administrative health records (e.g. hospital visits or prescriptions).

SISCO’s objectives

01.

To describe who is using inhalation sites, how people use them, what helps or hinders the use of these sites, and how they could be improved from the perspective of the people who use them.

02.

Measure client and health system outcomes associated with use of these sites.

03.

Assess how these sites support access to other forms of healthcare.

Study team

Principal Investigators

  • Dr. Julio Montaner
  • Dr. Kate Salters

Study Staff

  • Alex Werier – Research Coordinator
  • Muskan Jaswal - Research Assistant
  • Douglas Vickers - Peer Research Assistant
  • Jessica Callender - Peer Research Assistant
  • Rebeccah Parry - Peer Research Assistant

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The BC-CfE Laboratory is streamlining reporting processes for certain tests in order to simplify distribution and record-keeping, and to ensure completeness of results. Beginning September 2, 2025, results for the ‘Resistance Analysis of HIV-1 Protease and Reverse Transcriptase’ (Protease-RT) and ‘HIV-1 Integrase Resistance Genotype’ tests will be combined into a single ‘HIV-1 Resistance Genotype Report’.
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