Drug prevention in large companies

Abstract

Eyescanner was a newly founded startup with the vision to develop a new solution for drug testing through scanning of pupil reactions and eye movements. The aim was to integrate the software into a cell phone application, so that it could be used in an efficient way by future customers. Potential customers were private sector companies, using drug tests to achieve a drug free work- place.

This single case study involved eight private companies of which the majority were large, in initial phases, and focused on one of those in later conceptualisation. Questions to be answered were related to the current and wanted drug prevention work, identification of service needs and preconditions for user acceptance for the implementation of a new solution. The aim was to investigate and suggest how the Eyescanner drug test with complementing service offer could be used as tools for creating a safer work environment in private sector companies. Semi-structured interviews and a survey were used to gather initial data about current drug prevention work at the companies. Several ideation and evaluation methods were used throughout three iteration phases, leading to the final concept.

The findings of this work revealed that drug testing at the workplace required a trade-off between integrity and safety. Companies struggled to both respect the integrity of their employees, and sustain a safe working environment. The methods used for drug testing had several shortcomings, as they did not generate the wanted preventive effects. The drug tests could be manipulated, and caused uncomfortable situations for the testee. The number of random tests was not enough to achieve preventive effects, deterring employees from drug use. This was compensated for by us- ing suspicion tests, requiring confrontation of individuals. Confrontations came with the risk of mistakenly accusing someone and negatively affecting the personal relationship, or even threatful situations for the person confronting. Further on, preventive interventions were not prioritised, nor did they involve employees to a large extent.

It was clear that the situation at the case company required both controlling and preventive measures. The solution was therefore a combination of two concepts; a drug testing process with the Eyescanner test, and a health promotion app. The Eyescanner test would allow an increased frequency of drug tests, performed in an objective and efficient way. The health promotion app would give employees information, motivate them to engage in activities and facilitate a dialogue, aiming to make the employees feel safe at their workplace.