Improving Access to Maternity Care for Women with Opioid Use Disorders: Colocation of Midwifery Services at an Addiction Treatment Program

Maternal Chronic Physical Conditions and Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders in the Preconception and Perinatal Periods

Background: Chronic physical conditions (CPC) and alcohol and substance use disorders (SUD) frequently co-occur, but this has not been examined perinatally. We explored the combined effects of CPC and prepregnancy SUD on perinatal SUD-related adverse events and outpatient care. Materials and methods: This population-based study comprised 77,474 people with and 664,751 without CPC with a birth in Ontario, Canada, 2013-2020. We measured the prevalence of prepregnancy SUD in both groups. We then calculated adjusted relative risks (aRR) of: (1) SUD-related adverse events (toxicity resulting in acute care use/death, or other SUD-related acute care use) and (2) outpatient care for SUD between conception and 365 days postpartum, comparing individuals with prepregnancy CPC and SUD (CPC + SUD), and those with CPC or SUD alone, to those with neither condition. Finally, adjusted relative excess risk due to interaction (aRERI) was calculated to quantify excess risk of the outcomes associated with CPC + SUD, wherein RERI > 0 indicated positive interaction. Results: aRRs of perinatal SUD-related adverse events were 26.79 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.12, 31.04) for people with CPC + SUD, 22.09 (95% CI: 19.59, 24.91) for SUD alone, and 2.01 (95% CI: 1.78, 2.27) for CPC alone-each relative to neither condition. There was evidence of positive interaction for CPC + SUD (aRERI: 3.69, 95% CI: 1.13, 6.46). Similar elevated aRRs were observed for perinatal outpatient care for SUD, but without a positive interaction for people with CPC + SUD. Conclusion: As people with both CPC and SUD have the highest risk of perinatal SUD-related adversity, they may need greater preconception and perinatal support.

Perspectives of physicians and doulas on shared decision-making and decision counseling in the treatment of pregnant women with opioid use disorders

INTRODUCTION

Research about the application of shared decision-making (SDM) in the context of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) is limited. The objectives of our study were to 1) examine facilitators of and barriers to SDM for the initiation of MAT in clinical practice and 2) evaluate the receptivity of clinicians and doulas involved in the care of women with OUD to the use of an online software application to facilitate SDM about MAT.

METHODS

This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with consenting physicians and doulas who provided care for pregnant women with OUD between November 2021 and May 2022. Participants were asked about factors influencing SDM in practice. In addition, the study asked participants about the feasibility of using the Jefferson Decision Counseling Guide© (JDCG) to educate pregnant women with OUD as to the benefits and risks of undergoing MAT versus no treatment and to help patients clarify their treatment preference. The study recorded the interview and transcribed it verbatim using Rev. transcription services. The study used thematic analyses to code the data and identify key barriers and facilitators of SDM and perceptions of the SDM tool.

RESULTS

Nineteen participants completed interviews. The study identified several barriers to SDM including time constraints, lack of decision counseling tools at points of care, and patients presenting in an actively high state or withdrawing. Peer workers or other trained personnel, giving patients more time, and comfort in decision counseling are examples of facilitators identified by the participants of the study. Participants believed that the counseling tool could facilitate conversations with patients and should be integrated into the workflow.

CONCLUSION

In this qualitative study, we identified several barriers and facilitators of SDM to initiate MAT for pregnant women with OUD. Our findings indicate that there are challenges and opportunities for healthcare systems to increase SDM in this marginalized patient population. Feedback from participants highlighted their receptivity to the use of SDM tools to facilitate meaningful conversations in various settings that can guide decision making about care.

Lessons from Maternal Mortality Reviews. How Addiction Care Providers can help improve Outcomes for Pregnant, Postpartum, and Parenting people

BACKGROUND

Drug-related deaths, including accidental and intentional overdose and other drug-related causes, are among the leading causes of maternal mortality in the United States.

ANALYSIS

Addiction care providers can contribute to efforts to decrease maternal mortality related to substance use disorder. In this report, we review current research to inform the care of pregnant and parenting people with substance use disorder (SUD) to address rising drug-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

A multidisciplinary approach to the care of pregnant people with SUD should include prioritizing SUD and mental health treatment, helping them access services such as housing, transportation, and nutrition programs, and providing extended care for at least the year after end of a pregnancy. Efforts to improve care for childbearing people promote health and well-being for everyone.

Perceptions of Primary Care Among Women in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

Underutilization of primary care and receipt of preventive health services have been reported among women with opioid use disorder. The aim of this study was to describe perceptions of primary care among women in treatment for opioid use disorder.

METHODS

Between May and June 2022, 27 women who were receiving treatment for opioid use disorder from one opioid treatment program participated in this study. Participants completed one data collection session which involved a brief questionnaire followed by a semi-structured interview. Participants were asked questions about their overall experience with primary care as well as perceived facilitators and barriers to primary care utilization and quality. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged from the interviews within the domain of "Facilitators to Primary Care," including: (1) coordination of care, (2) continuity of care, and (3) relationship with health care providers. Four themes emerged from the interviews within the domain of "Barriers to Primary Care," including: (1) perceived judgment from health care providers, (2) childcare needs, (3) issues related to location, and (4) issues related to time.

CONCLUSION

Approaches to primary care that help alleviate barriers to care and highlight the aspects of care that are valued may improve quality and utilization of care, thus enhancing the health and well-being of a vulnerable population.

Group prenatal care for pregnant women with opioid use disorder: Preliminary evidence for acceptability and benefits compared with individual prenatal care

INTRODUCTION

The effectiveness of group prenatal care (G-PNC) compared with individual prenatal care (I-PNC) for women with opioid use disorder (OUD) is unknown. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the acceptability of co-locating G-PNC at an opioid treatment program and (2) describe the maternal and infant characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women in treatment for OUD who participated in G-PNC and those who did not.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 71 women (G-PNC n = 15; I-PNC n = 56) who were receiving treatment for OUD from one center and who delivered in 2019. Acceptability was determined by assessing the representativeness of the G-PNC cohorts, examining attendance at sessions, and using responses to a survey completed by G-PNC participants. The receipt of health services and healthcare use, behaviors, and infant health between those who participated in G-PNC and those who received I-PNC were described.

RESULTS

G-PNC was successfully implemented among women with varying backgrounds (e.g., racial, ethnic, marital status) who self-selected into the group. All G-PNC participants reported that they were satisfied to very satisfied with the program. Increased rates of breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding at hospital discharge, receipt of the Tdap vaccine, and postpartum visit attendance at 1-2 weeks and 4-8 weeks were observed in the G-PNC group compared with the I-PNC group. Fewer G-PNC reported postpartum depression symptomatology.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that co-located G-PNC at an opioid treatment program is an acceptable model for pregnant women in treatment for OUD and may result in improved outcomes.

Implementing a clinical checklist for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder

BACKGROUND

Opioid use disorder (OUD) has been increasing in pregnant patients over the past two decades. Best practice guidelines that are available for these patients, must now be implemented by health care teams. Clinical checklists have been used for other complex patient cohorts with good success and are a potentially viable tool for ensuring best practices with this patient population as well.

LOCAL PROBLEM

Maine has seen a dramatic increase in the number of pregnant patients with OUD. Many of these patients seemed to "fall through the cracks" in the traditional prenatal care model. The obstetrical care team expressed feeling overwhelmed by the complex care needs of these patients and unsure of how to improve their care.

METHODS

To improve prenatal care delivery for patients with OUD, we implemented an evidence-based clinical checklist. This local, NP-led quality improvement project was done in partnership with a state-led initiative to improve perinatal care for patients with OUD.

INTERVENTIONS

An evidence-based checklist provided by the state initiative was implemented for prenatal patients with diagnosed OUD.

RESULTS

Use of a clinical checklist for patients with OUD increased the rate of several best practices during their prenatal care, including emergency naloxone prescription, tracking prescription monitoring reports, and contraceptive planning. Rates of completed prenatal screening for substance misuse, social determinants of health, and intimate partner violence also increased in our practice overall, as a result of this project.

CONCLUSIONS

To further improve perinatal care coordination for patients with OUD, we recommend future evaluation of clinical checklists within various practice settings.

Supporting the implementation of written exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in an obstetrics-substance use disorder clinic in the Northeastern United States

Pregnant people with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) constitute a highly vulnerable population. PTSD and SUD confer risks to both the pregnant person and the fetus, including a host of physical and mental health consequences. When PTSD and SUD co-occur, potential negative impacts are amplified, and the symptoms of each may exacerbate and maintain the other. Pregnancy often increases engagement in the healthcare system, presenting a unique and critical opportunity to provide PTSD and SUD treatment to birthing people motivated to mitigate risks of losing custody of their children. This paper presents implementation process outcomes of Written Exposure Therapy (WET), a brief, scalable, and sustainable evidence-based PTSD treatment delivered to pregnant persons receiving care in an integrated obstetrical-addiction recovery program at Boston Medical Center. Trial participants (N = 18) were mostly White, non-Hispanic (61.1%), not currently working (77.8%), had a high school or lower level of education (55.5%), had an annual household income less than $35,000 (94.4%), and were living in a substance use residential program (55.6%). We examined intervention feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, adoption; barriers and facilitators to implementation; and feedback on supporting uptake and sustainability of the intervention using coded qualitative sources (consultation field notes [N = 47] and semi-structured interviews [N = 5]) from providers involved in trial planning and treatment delivery. Results reflected high acceptability, appropriateness, and adoption of WET. Participants described system-, provider-, and patient-level barriers to implementation, offered suggestions to enhance uptake, but did not raise concerns about core components of the intervention. Findings suggest that WET is an appropriate and acceptable PTSD treatment for this difficult-to-reach, complex population, and has the potential to positively impact pregnant persons and their children.

Helping themselves and helping others: how the passage of time influences why mothers with addictions take part in research

Introduction

Women with addiction issues are under-researched, despite previous evidence that women's needs are less understood than men's and that services can overlook gender-specific issues. The majority of women in treatment are mothers and a significant number have contact with child welfare services. The voices of these women are needed to shape and influence evidence-based treatment and service development.

Aim

To examine reasons and rationale for participation in research in mothers with addiction issues and involvement with the child welfare system.

Method

Reflexive thematic analysis was used on interview transcripts from two qualitative studies. Individual themes from each study were combined and analysed to develop themes covering both studies and at different timepoints in process of child welfare assessment or removal of child/ren.

Results

Three themes were identified (1) altruism; (2) personal benefit; and (3) empowerment. These mothers wanted to help with research. However, they also participated with the hope that this might facilitate the return of their children or help them to access support or services. A change over time was evident and, in those further down the line from child removal, there was a stronger want for their voices to be heard in order to advocate for other women and create change in services.

Cross-sector Collaboration Between Public Health, Healthcare and Social Services Improves Retention: Findings from a Nurse Home Visiting Program

The study aimed to examine the association between cross-sector collaboration in Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), a model home visiting program, and participant retention. We used the 2018 NFP Collaboration Survey that measured agency-level collaboration, operationalized as relational coordination and structural integration, among nine community provider types (including obstetrics care, substance use treatment, child welfare). This dataset was linked to 2014-2018 NFP program implementation data (n = 36,900). We used random-intercept models with nurse-level random effects to examine the associations between provider-specific collaborations and participant retention adjusting for client, nurse, and agency characteristics. The adjusted models suggest that stronger relational coordination between nurses and substance use treatment providers (OR:1.177, 95% CI: 1.09-1.26) and greater structural integration with child welfare (OR: 1.062, CI: 1.04-1.09) were positively associated with participant retention at birth. Stronger structural integration between other home visiting programs and supplemental nutrition for women, infants, and children was negatively associated with participant retention at birth (OR: 0.985, CI: 0.97-0.99). Structural integration with child welfare remained significantly associated with participant retention at 12-month postpartum (OR: 1.032, CI: 1.01-1.05). In terms of client-level characteristics, clients who were unmarried, African-American, or visited by nurses who ceased NFP employment prior to their infant's birth were more likely to drop out of the NFP program. Older clients and high school graduates were more likely to remain in NFP. Visits by a nurse with a master's degree, agency rurality, and healthcare systems that implement the program were associated with participant retention. Cross-sector collaboration in a home visiting setting that bridges healthcare and addresses social determinants of health has potential to improve participant retention. This study sets the groundwork for future research to explore the implications of collaborative activities between preventive services and community providers.

Health Status and Preventive Health Services Among Reproductive-Aged Women in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Objective

To assess the utilization of preventive health services and the prevalence of chronic health conditions among a cohort of women in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods

Ninety-seven women who were receiving treatment for OUD from a single urban treatment program completed a self-administered anonymous online questionnaire that asked about demographics, health, receipt of preventive health services, and utilization of health care. Descriptive statistics were used to describe data.

Results

More than one-third of respondents reported that their health was fair or poor, whereas one-quarter were very concerned with their health. Most participants (59%) reported at least one chronic health condition; nearly 1 in 5 reported two or more conditions. Less than half of respondents had received a routine medical examination in the past year. Vaccine uptake was low; 56% received the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine and 36% received the annual influenza vaccine.

Conclusions

Women in treatment for OUD could benefit from enhanced health care to address the high rates of chronic diseases and risk factors and underutilization of recommended preventive health services. Interventions and models of care that aim to enhance utilization of such services, and ultimately improve the health of this vulnerable population, may be worth exploring.

Midwifery continuity of care: A scoping review of where, how, by whom and for whom?

Systems of care that provide midwifery care and services through a continuity of care model have positive health outcomes for women and newborns. We conducted a scoping review to understand the global implementation of these models, asking the questions: where, how, by whom and for whom are midwifery continuity of care models implemented? Using a scoping review framework, we searched electronic and grey literature databases for reports in any language between January 2012 and January 2022, which described current and recent trials, implementation or scaling-up of midwifery continuity of care studies or initiatives in high-, middle- and low-income countries. After screening, 175 reports were included, the majority (157, 90%) from high-income countries (HICs) and fewer (18, 10%) from low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). There were 163 unique studies including eight (4.9%) randomised or quasi-randomised trials, 58 (38.5%) qualitative, 53 (32.7%) quantitative (cohort, cross sectional, descriptive, observational), 31 (19.0%) survey studies, and three (1.9%) health economics analyses. There were 10 practice-based accounts that did not include research. Midwives led almost all continuity of care models. In HICs, the most dominant model was where small groups of midwives provided care for designated women, across the antenatal, childbirth and postnatal care continuum. This was mostly known as caseload midwifery or midwifery group practice. There was more diversity of models in low- to middle-income countries. Of the 175 initiatives described, 31 (18%) were implemented for women, newborns and families from priority or vulnerable communities. With the exception of New Zealand, no countries have managed to scale-up continuity of midwifery care at a national level. Further implementation studies are needed to support countries planning to transition to midwifery continuity of care models in all countries to determine optimal model types and strategies to achieve sustainable scale-up at a national level.

Averting neonatal abstinence syndrome and treating addiction among rural, opioid-using young women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

America's opioid epidemic has spawned an epidemic of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Studies have not tested approaches to promoting contraceptive services for women with opioid use disorder (OUD) along with treatment for this disorder. This pilot study examined the promotion of medication for OUD (MOUD) treatment and contraception use, primarily long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), for women with OUD.

METHODS

In Appalachia, a peer-delivered contraception and MOUD promotion intervention was delivered to a sample of 30 women with OUD. Primary outcomes were attendance of initial appointments to receive MOUD and counseling about contraceptive options. Peer recovery coaches also offered to help the women schedule appointments and attend the appointment with them or give them a ride if necessary and requested by the patients.

RESULTS

Two-thirds experienced all seven symptoms of opioid dependence. Within 30 days of a brief counseling session, over one-half of the women (56.7%) were referred to MOUD, with all of them initiating treatment within 30 days. Just under one-half of the women (46.7%) were referred to a contraception consultation, with 85.7% of those receiving a LARC implant.

DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Study findings indicate the potential efficacy of a single-session, peer-delivered counseling intervention for linking women with OUD and at high risk of unintended pregnancy to MOUD and to services that provide women with highly reliable contraceptives.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

This study is unique in exploring the efficacy of linking high-risk opioid-using women to contraceptive options and treatment for MOUD to prevent NAS.

Lessons Learned From the Implementation of an Integrated Prenatal Opioid Use Disorder Program

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate key lessons learned from efforts at increasing engagement in integrated prenatal and opioid use disorder services.

DESIGN

An interdisciplinary team consisting of a board-certified obstetrician and registered nurse led the implementation of this multipronged approach driven by several plan-do-study-act cycles to develop an integrated prenatal and opioid use disorder program.

SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM

An urban community health center in Chicago, Illinois, where mental health issues, including substance use, are the leading cause of death for pregnant people.

PARTICIPANTS

Connections were made with local harm reduction agencies, substance use treatment facilities, and community outreach programs to develop partnerships with organizations providing existing addiction and maternal-child services in the community.

INTERVENTION/MEASURES

Partnership building was achieved through organization needs assessments, dissemination of information about integrated services, and sustained communication. Referral workflow guides and patient education cards were created and distributed to community partners. Incoming referrals were tracked at the clinic site. Use of the referral materials was evaluated via online surveys distributed to community partners.

RESULTS

In the 18 weeks of enhanced integration, three patients engaged in services and were initiated on medication for opioid use disorder, two of whom had been referred from agencies targeted in the outreach efforts. Surveys showed that community partners believe the referral guides were easy to use and that the harm reduction information on the patient cards was useful.

CONCLUSION

An urban community health center was equipped to provide comprehensive, integrated services to pregnant people with opioid use disorder, but barriers such as community unawareness and stigma impeded engagement. Sustained collaboration with community partners serving pregnant people with opioid use disorder supports program development and linkage to care. Integrated prenatal and opioid use disorder care is feasible, us destigmatizing in nature, and can lead to improved maternal and fetal outcomes.

Expanding Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Priority Areas: The Role of Certified Nurse-Midwives

INTRODUCTION

Perinatal opioid use disorder (OUD) is associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity, and treatment has been definitively shown to improve outcomes for both. As of 2018, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) can prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD by obtaining a Drug Addiction Treatment Act waiver. This research aims to identify the number of CNMs who are waivered to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD and who practice in priority areas for treatment expansion.

METHODS

Through a descriptive study design, authors collected and analyzed publicly available data from August 2020 to January 2021. Using the software GeoDa, authors identified priority counties in the United States and the number of waivered and nonwaivered CNMs in these areas. Counties were designated as priority if they had drug-poisoning mortality rates in the top 20th percentile of all US counties and no health care providers waivered to treat OUD or had a waivered health care provider per population rate in the bottom 20th percentile.

RESULTS

Analysis identified 141 priority counties in 23 states concentrated in rural areas throughout the Appalachian region of the United States. Tennessee had the most priority counties of any state. As of 2020, only 26 CNMs in the United States were waivered to prescribe buprenorphine, none of whom practiced in priority counties. Of the CNMs practicing in priority counties and without waivers, 59% (39 of 66) practiced in states where CNMs have independent practice authority.

DISCUSSION

CNMs are uniquely positioned to treat perinatal OUD given their scope of practice as primary and reproductive health care providers, especially in rural, underserved areas. To increase the number of midwives prescribing buprenorphine and expand treatment access, researchers, educators, practice leaders, and policy makers must address barriers to and experiences of treating OUD.

Substance Use and Utilization of Prenatal and Postpartum Care

OBJECTIVES

Prenatal and postpartum care for women with substance use is important due to increased risk of poor health outcomes. The influence of substance use on perinatal care utilization is not well characterized, especially postpartum care. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of substance use during pregnancy on prenatal and postpartum care utilization in a nationally representative sample and to identify maternal characteristics associated with inadequate prenatal and postpartum care among women with substance use.

METHODS

Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data (2016-2018) from 8 states were used for this study. Logistic regression models adjusted for complex survey weights and confounder variables were used to estimate the odds of not receiving adequate prenatal care and postpartum care. Weighted Rao-Scott chi-square tests were used to examine maternal characteristics associated with care utilization among women who reported substance use during pregnancy.

RESULTS

The study included 15,131 women, with 5.3% who reported illicit substance use during pregnancy. In multivariable models, substance use was associated with an increase in the odds of not receiving adequate prenatal care (OR 1.69, CI 1.32, 2.17) and not receiving postpartum care (OR: 1.47, CI 1.10, 1.95). Among women who reported substance use, depression and smoking status were associated with not receiving adequate prenatal or postpartum care.

CONCLUSIONS

Substance use during pregnancy is independently associated with disparities in prenatal and postpartum care access. Future studies are needed to identify how barriers lead to care inequalities and importantly, to identify strategies to improve care utilization.

Integrated vs nonintegrated treatment for perinatal opioid use disorder: retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women with opioid use disorder and their infants often experience worse perinatal outcomes than women without opioid use disorder, including longer hospitalizations after delivery and a higher risk for preterm delivery. Integrated treatment models, which combine addiction treatment and maternity care, represent an innovative approach that is widely endorsed, however, limited studies have compared the outcomes between integrated and standard, nonintegrated programs from real-world programs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the perinatal and substance use outcomes for pregnant women with opioid use disorder receiving coordinated, colocated obstetrical care and opioid use disorder treatment (integrated treatment) and to compare it with those of women receiving obstetrical care and opioid use disorder treatment in distinct programs of care (nonintegrated treatment).

STUDY DESIGN

In this observational, retrospective cohort study, we abstracted the perinatal and opioid use disorder treatment data from the records of pregnant women with opioid use disorder (n=225) who delivered at a rural, academic medical center from 2015 to 2017. The women either received integrated (n=92) or nonintegrated (n=133) opioid use disorder treatment and obstetrical care. Using inverse probability weighted regression models to adjust for a potential covariate imbalance, we evaluated the impact of the treatment model on the risk for preterm delivery and positive meconium or umbilical cord toxicology screens. We explored whether the number of obstetrical visits mediated this relationship by using a quasi-Bayesian Monte Carlo algorithm.

RESULTS

Women receiving integrated treatment were less likely to deliver prematurely (11.8% vs 26.6%; P<.001) and their infants had shorter hospitalizations (6.5±4.8 vs 10.7±16.2 days). Using a robust inverse probability weighted model showed that receiving integrated treatment was associated with a 74.7% decrease in the predicted probability of preterm delivery (average treatment effect, -0.19; standard error, 0.14; P<.001). There were no differences in the risk for a positive meconium or umbilical cord toxicology screen, a marker for second and third trimester substance use, between women receiving integrated treatment and those receiving coordinated treatment (29.4% vs 34.6%; P=.41), however, integrated treatment was associated with significantly lower rates of positive maternal urine toxicology screens at the time of delivery (35.9% vs 74.4%; P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Among a cohort of rural pregnant women with opioid use disorder, receiving integrated obstetrical care and opioid use disorder treatment was associated with a reduced risk for preterm birth, a lower risk for positive maternal urine toxicology screen at the time of delivery, and shorter infant hospitalization. This relationship was mediated by the number of obstetrical visits attended during pregnancy, suggesting that increased engagement with obstetrical care through integration of services may contribute to improved perinatal outcomes.

Temporal trends in smoking and nicotine dependence in relation to co-occurring substance use in the United States, 2005-2016

BACKGROUND

Despite an overall decline in tobacco use in the United States, secular trends of smoking and nicotine dependence with co-occurring substance use are not well characterized.

METHODS

We examined self-reported tobacco and other substance use in 22,245 participants age 21-59 in the United States from six waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Using Joinpoint regression, we assessed secular trends of smoking and nicotine dependence as a function of co-occurring use of alcohol, prescription opioids, marijuana/hashish, cocaine/heroin/methamphetamine, or other injection drug use. Multivariable logistic regressions were fitted to identify the potential risk factors.

RESULTS

During 2005-2016, the prevalence of current smoking decreased (without co-occurring substance use: 17.0 %-12.7 %; with co-occurring use of one substance: 35.3 % to 24.6 %; with co-occurring use of two or more substances: 53.8 %-42.2 %), and moderate-to-severe nicotine dependence decreased as well (8.0 %-4.2 %, 16.0 %-8.8 %, and 23.9 %-15.7 %, respectively). Smoking and nicotine dependence were more likely in those with co-occurring use of one substance (current smoking: odds ratio [OR] = 2.22, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 2.01-2.45); nicotine dependence: OR = 1.88, 95 % CI = 1.63-2.17) and in those with co-occurring use of two or more substances (current smoking: OR = 5.25, 95 % CI = 4.63-5.95; nicotine dependence: OR = 3.24, 95 % CI = 2.72-3.87).

CONCLUSIONS

Co-occurring substance use was associated with smaller reductions in tobacco use, over time, and with increased odds of nicotine dependence. This suggests that co-occurring substance users should be regarded as a tobacco-related disparity group and prioritized for tobacco control interventions.

Women-centered drug treatment models for pregnant women with opioid use disorder: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

While there is a high unmet need for drug treatment services tailored to the needs of pregnant women, fewer than half of the opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment programs in the U.S. offer such services. We conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify women-centered drug treatment models that address access, coordination, and quality of care, and their facilitators and barriers.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Sociology Database, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO Open Dissertations, Health Services Research Projects in Progress, and relevant agency websites from 1990 to 2020. We included studies that evaluated multicomponent models of care that provided medication for OUD (MOUD) to pregnant women in the U.S.

RESULTS

Of the 1,578 unduplicated articles screened, 26 articles met the inclusion criteria, which reported on 19 different studies and included 3,193 women. We identified seven different models of care and found that: (1) access was improved by co-locating various services for drug treatment and care, (2) coordination was enhanced by inter-professional collaboration, (3) quality was improved by treating pregnant patients in groups, and (4) stigmatization and criminalization of substance use during pregnancy was a significant barrier to care.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an urgent need to bolster patient-provider relationships that are built on trust, are free of stigma, and that empower patients to make their own decisions. Improved policies and regulations to reduce stigma around the use of opioids and MOUD are needed, so that pregnant women with OUD can access high quality care.

Integrating reproductive health care into substance use disorder services

People who use drugs face layered stigma and barriers to accessing reproductive health care services. At the same time, they have unique needs for compassionate, trauma-informed, low-barrier reproductive health care. We review the literature on collocated reproductive health care and substance use treatment services in this population and advocate for expansion of reproductive health care services at sites providing care for substance use disorder. Through this review article, we outline the evidence for and best practices in collocating reproductive health care within substance use disorder services.

Developing a model of care for substance use in pregnancy and parenting services, Sydney, Australia: Service provider perspectives

INTRODUCTION

The absence of a clear model of care for services supporting pregnant women and mothers with substance use disorders has impeded opportunities to build an evidence base for the effectiveness of these services. Previous research has typically focused on the needs of pregnant women or mothers, as two distinct groups. This paper explores service providers' perceptions of key components of a model of care, extending from perinatal care to community-based support for up to 17 years post-delivery. A model of care is outlined and feasibility factors affecting implementation are highlighted.

METHODS

Qualitative methods were adopted as a first step to informing development of the model of care. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with thirty-eight staff providing a range of substance use in pregnancy and parenting services (SUPPS) in hospital and community-based agencies, in a metropolitan health district in Sydney, Australia. Interview data was entered into NVivo and analysed using constant comparative methods.

RESULTS

Guiding principles for the model of care included integrated care, harm reduction and person-centredness. Practice approaches integral to the model of care were promoting engagement with women, flexible service provision, trauma-informed care, and continuity of care. Feasibility factors influencing implementation of the model of care included fragmentation or siloing of the service network and workforce sustainability.

CONCLUSIONS

A harm reduction approach was crucial for promoting engagement of women with SUPPS, particularly child protection services. A greater focus on providing ongoing community-based support for mothers also has the potential to achieve sustainable positive outcomes for women and children. Implementation of the SUPPS model of care could be undermined by threats to integration of service delivery and continuity of care. Further research is needed to explore consumer perspectives and inform the model of care as a framework for evaluation.

Barriers and Challenges to Making Referrals for Treatment and Services for Opioid Misuse in Family Planning Settings

Background: In this opioid overdose epidemic, women are an overlooked group seeing increasing rates of overdose death. Implementation challenges have prevented evidence-based interventions from effectively reaching women who misuse opioids, with gaps in access to effective treatment and services. Family planning clinics could serve as important points of contact for referral to needed treatments and services. The study explores how family planning staff knowledge and attitudes related to opioid misuse serve as potential barriers and challenges in making referrals for evidence-based services and treatments. Methods: In 2018, we conducted a national online survey of family planning staff, assessing knowledge and attitudes of treatments and services for opioid misuse. Results: A total of 691 family planning staff completed the survey. Most respondents agreed that opioid misuse was a major problem in their community (86.0%) and identified challenges in responding to it, including a lack of treatment access (70.3%), the absence of in-house behavioral health staff (67.2%), and unfamiliarity with local treatment providers (54.1%). Respondents reported low levels of acceptability for syringe services programs (46.0%), medications such as methadone and buprenorphine (55.4%), and naloxone to reverse opioid overdose (60.1%). Controlling for other factors, race/ethnicity, urbanicity, workplace role, and substance use training were associated with differences in acceptability. Conclusions: Family planning settings could play a critical role in connecting women who misuse opioids to treatment and services. Strategies are needed to increase the acceptability of evidence-based interventions and the feasibility of having family planning staff play a linkage role.

Engagement in perinatal outpatient services among women in recovery from opioid use disorders

Background: Despite being highly motivated to recover, pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorders (OUD) are at high risk of relapse and death. While many services mitigate this risk, engagement in voluntary, outpatient services remains low. Our aim was to understand the experiences of and factors influencing outpatient service engagement during the perinatal period among women in recovery from OUD. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews about perinatal experiences engaging with outpatient services, with 20 women in recovery aged 22-46 years who had children between 6 months and 10 years old. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Women described a continuum of 'collaborative engagement' experiences, defined by the extent to which they perceived their providers or service organizations were invested in their journeys as a partners and advocates. The ability to achieve collaborative engagement depended upon two factors: (1) the woman's transformational development as a mother and woman in recovery, and (2) her perception of the providers' ability to meet her multifaceted needs. Conclusions: Women in recovery from OUD may experience deeper engagement in voluntary outpatient perinatal services when they perceive that their providers are invested and collaboratively engaging in their recovery and personal growth. Future research should test whether collaborative engagement improves service retention.Abbreviations: IPV: Intimate Partner Violence; OUD: opioid use disorder.

Difficult binds: A systematic review of facilitators and barriers to treatment among mothers with substance use disorders

BACKGROUND

The United States and Canada have observed sharp increases in substance use disorder among women of child-bearing or child-rearing age. Substance use disorder can have deleterious effects on children, families, and communities. Many evidence-based treatments exist, but engaging mothers in treatment is difficult. No recent review is available to help systems and providers understand the facilitators of and barriers to treatment for mothers.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically identify facilitators and barriers to substance use and mental health treatment for mothers with substance use disorder who are pregnant or parenting young children in the United States and Canada.

METHODS

We systematically searched the literature using five online databases and performed a gray literature search. We included studies published in the past two decades focused on parent or provider perspectives.

RESULTS

Our search identified 23 high-quality papers. The majority of papers qualitatively examined the perspectives of treatment-seeking pregnant women and mothers diverse in race/ethnicity, region, and treatment settings. Our synthesis of findings revealed the compelling and complex centrality of motherhood, which served as both a facilitator and barrier. Motherhood often interacted with relational (e.g., perceiving stigma vs. support from providers, family, friends, partners) and structural (e.g., time commitments, childcare) factors to both hinder and help engagement in treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings can help policy-makers and practitioners make tangible improvements to the financing and delivery of substance use treatment for mothers. Our review points to specific areas for future research, including an examination of the relationships between various structural factors and treatment outcomes.

Community-led Priority Setting for Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy and Parenting

OBJECTIVES

To engage community members with opioid use disorder (OUD) and case managers working with pregnant and parenting individuals with OUD in a priority setting process to identify the key priorities for research, policy, and care improvement during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

METHODS

We conducted focus groups across Washington State with pregnant and parenting people with OUD and with case managers working with this community as part of research priority setting using the validated Research Prioritization by Affected Communities protocol. Priorities for research, policy, and service improvement were developed during each focus group by the participants.

RESULTS

Three focus groups with pregnant and parenting people with OUD and 2 focus groups with case managers were conducted (total N = 24 and 16, respectively). Both prioritized topics such as stigma and bias, housing, access to treatment, and steps toward successful recovery. The community and case manager groups shared similar, complementary strategies for each priority, with differences reflecting their perspectives in relation to OUD.

CONCLUSIONS

Community-engaged priority setting among those with OUD was an effective and meaningful way to guide future research, policy, and care improvement efforts.

The interaction of neonatal abstinence syndrome and opioid use disorder treatment availability for women insured by medicaid

OBJECTIVE

This paper will discuss the process of mapping opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment resources for pregnant women and discuss the intersection between treatment resources and rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

DESIGN

A resource manual was developed through a systematic process with stakeholders across Illinois. Resources were mapped by county and overlaid with county rates of NAS, using hospital discharge data.

RESULTS

Across Illinois, 89 treatment resources were identified for pregnant women insured by Medicaid. Resources were concentrated in 36% of Illinois' counties. Counties with limited treatment resources generally had high rates of NAS. Sixty-six percent of NAS cases among rural Illinois residents had no OUD treatment resources in their county. Rural counties had less access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), the standard of care for treatment of OUD, compared with other counties across the state.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to increase OUD treatment options for pregnant women insured by Medicaid should concentrate on geographic areas with limited access and high need.

A review of nonpharmacological adjunctive treatment for postpartum women with opioid use disorder

INTRODUCTION

Over the past decade, opioid use disorder (OUD) among pregnant women has increased by over 400%. Although medication assisted treatment (MAT) provides necessary care for women with OUD, effective adjunctive nonpharmacological treatments have not been systematically identified. This is especially concerning for the postpartum period, which includes several unique risk factors (e.g., sleep deprivation, mood disturbances) for MAT non-adherence and relapse. This review summarizes the existing knowledge regarding nonpharmacological treatments for OUD during the postpartum period, as well as provides recommendations for the future.

METHODS

PubMed and PsycINFO were searched in July 2018 using combinations of 28 keywords. Eligibility criteria included: (1) coverage of postpartum period, (2) use of nonpharmacological treatment for OUD, (3) conducted in clinical samples, and (4) written in English.

RESULTS

A total of 4 out of 38 identified articles met eligibility criteria. Two of the studies offered weekly on-site group counseling, with one also offering monthly social worker meetings. The third study offered four sessions with a patient navigator during the postpartum period. The last offered an employment intervention. All four reported favorable effects on OUD at end of follow-up (range: 30 days postpartum to 1 year postpartum). However, the details of the interventions, methodologies, and abstinence rates were sparse.

DISCUSSION

Few published studies examine nonpharmacological OUD treatments specific to the postpartum period. Identification of adjunctive nonpharmacological treatments designed to the unique needs of postpartum women is of critical public health importance, and further research is needed.

Obstetrician-gynecologists' practice patterns related to opioid use during pregnancy and postpartum-United States, 2017

OBJECTIVE

To describe obstetrician-gynecologists' practices and attitudes related to opioid use among pregnant and postpartum women.

STUDY DESIGN

A 2017 cross-sectional survey assessed U.S. obstetrician-gynecologists' (N = 462; response rate = 34%) practices (management) and attitudes (knowledge, preparedness, confidence, barriers, and resources needed) related to opioid use among pregnant and postpartum women. Modified Poisson regression determined adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for advising medication-assisted therapy (MAT) for pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) by knowledge, confidence, and preparedness.

RESULTS

Of respondents, 33% always or usually advised MAT to pregnant women with OUD. Confidence in treating pregnant women who use opioids (aPR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8) and knowledge that substance use services were covered under the Affordable Care Act (aPR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8) were associated with advising MAT.

CONCLUSION

Evidence suggests that efforts are needed to enhance physician confidence to manage pregnant and postpartum patients who use opioids, which may increase optimal care of this patient population.

Maternity Care for Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder: A Review

Opioid misuse is a problem that is complex and widespread. Opioid misuse rates are rising across all US demographics, including among pregnant women. The opioid epidemic brings a unique set of challenges for maternity health care providers, ranging from ethical considerations to the complex health needs and risks for both woman and fetus. This article addresses care for pregnant women during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods through the lens of the opioid epidemic, including screening and counseling, an interprofessional approach to prenatal care, legal considerations, and considerations for care during labor and birth and postpartum. Providers can be trained to identify at-risk women through the evidence-based process of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) and connect them with the appropriate care to optimize outcomes. Women at moderate risk of opioid use disorder can be engaged in a brief conversation with their provider to discuss risks and enhance motivation for healthy behaviors.  Women with risky opioid use can be given a warm referral to pharmacologic treatment programs, ideally comprehensive prenatal treatment programs where available (a warm referral is a term used when a provider, with the patient's permission, contacts another provider or another service him or herself rather than providing a phone number and referral number). Evidence regarding care for the pregnant woman with opioid use disorder and practical clinical recommendations are provided.

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act: Opioid Use Disorder and Midwifery Practice

The federal response to the opioid use disorder crisis has included a mobilization of resources to encourage office-based pharmacotherapy with buprenorphine, an effort culminating in the 2016 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, signed into law as Public Law 114-198. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act was designed to increase access to treatment with special emphasis on services for pregnant women and follow-up for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure. In this effort, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act laudably expands eligibility for obtaining a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine to nurse practitioners and physician assistants. However, certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives, who care for a significant proportion of pregnant and postpartum women and attend a significant proportion of births in the United States, were not included in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act legislation. In this commentary, we argue that an "all-hands" approach to providing office-based medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder is essential to improving access to treatment. Introduced in the House of Representatives in September 2017, the Addiction Treatment Access Improvement Act (H.R. 3692) would allow midwives to apply for the federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine and is supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Nurse-Midwives. We support this change and encourage the U.S. Congress to act quickly to allow midwives to prescribe medication-assisted treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder.

Models of care for neonatal abstinence syndrome: What works?

Opioid use disorders and the prescription of long-acting medications for their treatment have increased dramatically over the last decade among pregnant women. Newborns who experience prolonged in utero opioid exposure may develop neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Until recently, much of the focus on improving care for NAS has been on pharmacologically-based care models. Recent studies have illustrated the benefits of rooming-in and parental presence on NAS outcomes. Single center Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives demonstrate the benefits of non-pharmacologic care bundles and symptom prioritization in decreasing the proportion of infants pharmacologically treated and length of hospital stay. Little remains known about the impact of these varied cared models on maternal-infant attachment and mental health. In this review article, we will propose an optimal model of care to improve short- and long-term outcomes for newborns, their mothers and families, and perinatal care systems.

Models of care for opioid dependent pregnant women

As the opioid crisis continues to exist in the United States, opioid use in pregnancy is becoming a more common occurrence. Left untreated, it may result in an increased risk for adverse outcomes for both the mother and her unborn child. Unfortunately, women with opioid use disorders often face numerous barriers when trying to access prenatal care services including limited availability or treatment options, stigma, legal consequences, co-morbid psychiatric disorders, and trauma exposure. A care model that integrates prenatal care, medication assisted treatment and behavioral health services delivered in a trauma-informed environment can improve prenatal care attendance and thus have far-reaching positive implications for both the woman and her newborn child.

Group Prenatal Care for Women Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy: An Interprofessional Approach

Opioid use disorder among pregnant women is common and rapidly increasing nationwide. Group prenatal care is an innovative alternative to individual care for pregnant women and has been shown to improve women's and health care providers' satisfaction and adherence to care. We describe a novel group prenatal care program colocated in an opioid treatment program that integrates prenatal care, substance use disorder counseling, and medication-assisted treatment. Our interprofessional model draws on the unique contributions of physicians, midwives, nurses, and mental health professionals to address the complex needs of pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Participants reported increased trust and engagement with health care providers and peers, improved prenatal care and birth experience, and increased resilience for relapse prevention. Group prenatal care is an accepted and promising model for women with opioid use disorder in pregnancy and has the potential to improve outcomes for women and newborns.

Barriers to Reproductive Healthcare for Women With Opioid Use Disorder

The health impact of opioid use disorder on women and infant health alongside persistent rates of unintended pregnancy calls for better targeted reproductive healthcare for all women, especially those receiving treatment for opioid treatment disorder and decreasing barriers to care. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study explored the reproductive intentions and contraceptive practices of women (N = 50) in medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder with a focus on knowledge and use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), specifically intrauterine devices and implants. Eighty-four percent of the 50 women interviewed had experienced at least 1 unintended pregnancy, and 30% were using contraceptive methods with high failure rates. Although approximately 75% of women indicated awareness of both forms of LARCs, only 6% reported current or past use of either device. Qualitative results found the greatest barriers to the uptake of LARC were women's expressed fears of complications and inaccurate information from family, friends, and acquaintances. Increasing awareness of the benefits of LARC as ideal contraception for women who may desire a future pregnancy is important for improving reproductive health for women receiving treatment of opioid use disorder.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome

Neonatal abstinence syndrome refers to the signs and symptoms attributed to the cessation of prenatal exposure (via placental transfer) to various substances. This Primer focuses on neonatal abstinence syndrome caused by opioid use during pregnancy - neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). As the global prevalence of opioid use has alarmingly increased, so has the incidence of NOWS. NOWS can manifest with varying severity or not at all, for unknown reasons, but is likely to be associated with multiple factors, both maternal (for example, smoking and additional substance exposures) and neonatal (gestational age, sex and genetics). Care for the infant with NOWS begins with addressing the issues experienced by pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Co-occurring mental illness, economic hardship, intimate partner violence, infectious diseases and limited access to care are common in these women and can result in poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although there is no consensus regarding optimal NOWS management, non-pharmacological interventions (such as breastfeeding and rooming-in of the mother and the baby) have become a priority, as they can ameliorate symptoms without the need for further opioid exposure. Untreated NOWS can be associated with morbidity in early infancy, and the long-term consequences of fetal opioid exposure are only beginning to be understood.

Rural Postpartum Women With Substance Use Disorders

The incidence of perinatal opioid use and neonatal withdrawal continues to rise rapidly in the face of the growing opioid addiction epidemic in the United States, with rural areas more severely affected. Despite decades of research and development of practice guidelines, maternal and neonatal outcomes have not improved substantially. This focused ethnography sought to understand the experience of accessing care necessary for substance use disorder recovery, pregnancy, and parenting. Personal accounts of 13 rural women, supplemented by participant observation and media artifacts, uncovered three domains with underlying themes: challenges of getting treatment and care (service availability, distance/geographic location, transportation, provider collaboration/coordination, physical and emotional safety), opportunities to bond (proximity, information), and importance of relationships (respect, empathy, familiarity, inclusion, interactions with care providers). Findings highlight the need for providers and policy makers to reduce barriers to treatment and care related to logistics, stigma, judgment, and lack of understanding of perinatal addiction.

Substance use in pregnancy: The medical challenge

Substance use contributes significantly to the global burden of disease. Growing numbers of women use nicotine, alcohol, and illicit substances. Women are the most vulnerable to problematic substance use in their reproductive years. The first 1000 days of life, starting at conception, have been established as a critical window of time for long-term health and development. Substance use in pregnancy is associated with negative pregnancy and child health outcomes. The impact of antenatal substance use on these outcomes needs to be considered within a challenging and complex context. This review provides an overview of the current literature on the impact of substances on pregnancy and child outcomes as well as the evidence and guidelines on screening and interventions for women using substances during pregnancy.

Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among illicit drug-using women in an urban setting

OBJECTIVE

To identify characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among pregnant illicit drug users living in an urban area, and to describe trends in drug use over an 8-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data on pregnant women living in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region who delivered at our institution during 2008-2015 were studied. Women with drug use (n = 197) and women without drug use (n = 787) were compared in terms of maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

The pregnant drug user rate markedly rose from 0.46% in 2008 to 1.28% in 2015. All pregnant drug users consumed amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). The most important factor related to drug use was smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 41.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 18.90-89.04). Other significant characteristics were teenage pregnancy (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.01-3.18), low level of education (aOR 4.97, 95% CI 1.18-20.90 for secondary school and aOR 5.61, 95% CI 1.28-24.49 for primary school or lower), and inadequate number of antenatal visits (aOR 2.20, 95% CI 1.16-4.17 for 1-3 visits and aOR 14.05, 95% CI 7.54-26.16 for no visit). Women of non-Thai ethnicity were less likely to use drugs (aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04-0.54). Pregnant drug users had a significantly higher risk of anemia (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.05-2.85), preterm delivery (aOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.29-4.29), low birth weight (aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.23-4.17) and small for gestational age infants (aOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.39-7.33), but lower risk of cesarean section (aOR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.86) than non-drug users.

CONCLUSION

Compared to urban pregnant women without drug use, women who consumed drugs were younger, had lower level of education, poorer self-care and poorer pregnancy outcomes. ATS was the single most commonly used drug.

Treating Women Who Are Pregnant and Parenting for Opioid Use Disorder and the Concurrent Care of Their Infants and Children: Literature Review to Support National Guidance

OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy is increasing. Practical recommendations will help providers treat pregnant women with OUD and reduce potentially negative health consequences for mother, fetus, and child. This article summarizes the literature review conducted using the RAND/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Method project completed by the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to obtain current evidence on treatment approaches for pregnant and parenting women with OUD and their infants and children.

METHODS

Three separate search methods were employed to identify peer-reviewed journal articles providing evidence on treatment methods for women with OUD who are pregnant or parenting, and for their children. Identified articles were reviewed for inclusion per study guidelines and relevant information was abstracted and summarized.

RESULTS

Of the 1697 articles identified, 75 were included in the literature review. The perinatal use of medication for addiction treatment (MAT, also known as medication-assisted treatment), either methadone or buprenorphine, within comprehensive treatment is the most accepted clinical practice, as withdrawal or detoxification risks relapse and treatment dropout. Medication increases may be needed with advancing pregnancy, and are not associated with more severe neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Switching medication prenatally is usually not recommended as it can destabilize opioid abstinence. Postnatally, breastfeeding is seen as beneficial for the infant for women who are maintained on a stable dose of opioid agonist medication. Less is known about ideal pain management and postpartum dosing regimens. NAS appears generally less severe following prenatal exposure to buprenorphine versus methadone. Frontline NAS medication treatments include protocol-driven methadone and morphine dosing in the context of nonpharmacological supports.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with OUD can be treated with methadone or buprenorphine during pregnancy. NAS is an expected and manageable condition. Although research has substantially advanced, opportunities to guide future research to improve maternal and infant outcomes are provided.

Care Experiences of Women Who Used Opioids and Experienced Fetal or Infant Loss

OBJECTIVE

To explore care experiences of women who used prescription or illicit opioids and experienced fetal or infant loss.

DESIGN

A qualitative, descriptive design with secondary data analysis.

SETTING

The Fetal and Infant Mortality Review program in an urban Midwestern county in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Eleven women with histories of prescription or illicit opioid use who experienced fetal or infant loss participated in the semistructured telephone or in-person interview portion of the mortality case review.

METHODS

We used thematic analysis to analyze interview data.

RESULTS

Five themes were identified related to the care experiences of participants throughout pregnancy and fetal/infant loss: Frustration and anger related to not being heard, feeling minimalized; Being overwhelmed with attempts to process and understand medical complications and outcomes; Profound sense of grief and coping with loss; Need to understand why and make difficult decisions; and Placing blame and guilt over death.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that women who use opioids and experience fetal or infant loss have complex care, educational, and emotional needs. In the development of interventions for these women, it is important to address their unique and complex circumstances.

Development of a mother and baby unit contraception assessment tool

Unplanned pregnancies are a unique, yet significant risk factor in perinatal mental health. Our aim was to create an assessment tool to assess mother's views on contraception as part of the discharge planning process. We used a quantitative-qualitative approach. A clinician-guided questionnaire was completed by patients prior to their discharge from hospital and analysed using Microsoft Excel. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore views regarding family planning in greater depth. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim onto Microsoft Word. Emerging themes were identified using a grounded theory thematic analysis approach. Eighteen inpatients were assessed at the Bethlem Mother and Baby Unit over a 4-month period (May-August 2015). Half of the women stated that the pregnancy was unplanned. The most common contraception methods used were condoms, followed by no method/natural cycle technique. Forty-four percent felt unsure of contraception options available and were keen for further advice and referral to family planning services. Interestingly, almost all the women interviewed stated that their experience of perinatal mental illness had changed their views on having more children. The contraception assessment tool is a short, simple questionnaire that can be adopted across inpatient and community settings. In cooperating family, planning into the discharge care plan could be protective in preventing future unplanned pregnancies in women at high risk of perinatal mental illness relapse. Performing the assessment also provided an added opportunity for psycho-education regarding reproductive health and medication use during the perinatal period. The tool also encouraged liaison with GPs and local family planning services.