Timothy Piatkowski

ROIDCheck: transforming IPED harm reduction through drug checking

ROIDCheck is the world’s first full-service AAS drug checking program, combining laboratory analysis with personalised results, peer-delivered harm reduction and community education. I led its development through a multidisciplinary team spanning 10 partner organisations and ~20 collaborators, integrating laboratory science, digital technologies and lived-living experience into a new model of IPED harm reduction. A lived-living experience advisory group (n=5) guided intervention design, engagement and dissemination.

The 2024 trial established an international benchmark for IPED harm reduction and was recognised as Harm Reduction Program of the Year (2024) by the Australian Illicit and Injecting Drug Users League.

Between 2024–2025, my team tested more than 300 IPED samples, generating real-time market intelligence, health alerts and guidance for peer organisations and health services. We identified substantial market instability: 15.2% of samples contained unexpected or mislabelled compounds, while only 9.6% of quantifiable samples were accurately dosed.

Importantly, ROIDCheck demonstrated measurable behavioural impact. Among 50 consumers submitting 212 samples, those receiving personalised drug-checking results and a peer-delivered health intervention were significantly more likely to report modifying their AAS use than those accessing aggregated community results (91.3% vs 46.3%). Changes included reconsidering compounds, adjusting doses, changing sources and intending to test products before use.

ROIDCheck is now forming the foundation for national expansion, translating research evidence into a scalable model of community-led harm reduction.

Steroid QNECT: embedding lived-living experience into healthcare and harm reduction

Steroid QNECT is a peer-led, confidential support and education program that I co-developed and lead through QuIVAA. It is Australia’s only dedicated IPED peer-led service, embedding lived-living experience in governance, design and delivery.

Since 2025, Steroid QNECT has:

• Supported 3,000+ people through confidential advice, risk assessment, education and referral;
• Trained 5,000+ health professionals across 30+ services, strengthening workforce capacity to respond to IPED use; and
• Delivered 30+ community events, including gym outreach, youth seminars, parent and carer sessions and festival engagement.

The program has expanded beyond individual support to influence health systems and public health practice. Steroid QNECT is now embedded within Queensland and New South Wales Department of Health-funded services and collaborates with organisations across Australia, including QuIHN, Harm Reduction Victoria, NSW Users and AIDS Association and Peer-Based Harm Reduction WA.

Its knowledge translation activities have also achieved substantial reach. Co-developed digital resources and training materials have generated more than 300,000 visits across 60 countries, extending evidence and peer expertise beyond traditional health services and into the online communities where IPED information is increasingly exchanged.