Em M. Pijl, BScN, MEd, PhD, RN

Research affiliations

• Associate member, School of Graduate Studies, University of Lethbridge
• Harm Reduction Network

Research groups

• Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) - Prairie Node
• Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) - Emerging Health Threat: Drug Checking Leadership Group
• Alberta Health Services Strategic Clinical Network—Addictions and Mental Health

Research summary

My program of research focuses on the clinical and social value, and public acceptability of, harm reduction services for people engaging in substance use. Working with community providers of harm reduction services and with interdisciplinary teams, I am advancing knowledge of the health and social value of harm reduction to improve outcomes for people experiencing problematic substance use. Examples of these outcomes include enhancements in housing stability, reduction of risks and harms associated with substance use, referrals to treatment, and access to health care and social services. A secondary focus of my research examines the barriers and facilitators to the effective integration of harm reduction into health services and communities at large. Through exploration of key stakeholder perspectives, I seek to increase the public acceptability of these services through assessing and addressing local concerns and deploying effective public health messaging. I employ quantitative and mixed research methods.