Background and purpose: Harm reduction is a concept that is increasingly applied in health and social care, as well as law and policy development around the world. Despite being used in a variety of contexts for decades, there is no universal understanding of harm reduction, and this may interfere with its implementation in various settings. Using Rodgers' (1989) evolutionary approach to concept analysis, this article defines the key attributes of harm reduction, along with surrogate terms, relevant uses, antecedents, consequences, related concepts, a model case, and implications for practice.
Methods: Following Rodgers' (1989) method, a literature sample from a variety of disciplines was selected using keywords. The review included 25 key publications of international origin, as well as several web-based resources, with a focus on illegal psychoactive drug use and healthcare outcomes.
Results: Seven key attributes of harm reduction were identified: a focus on harms, the participation of people who use drugs, the promotion of human rights, a public health approach, value neutrality and nonjudgment, practicality and pragmatism, and innovation and adaptability.
Implications for practice: The harms associated with illegal drugs are a global health problem, and advocacy is needed to promote harm reduction policy at health provision, community, and government levels. Without a concerted understanding of harm reduction, the concept is at risk of being relegated to a buzzword that lacks meaning. This concept analysis provides health and social care providers with a point of reference for meaningful harm reduction initiatives and strategies within their practice.
Keywords: concept analysis; harm reduction; healthcare; illegal drug use; social care.
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