A Pathway to Treatment for Pregnant Women With Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

Background: Addiction to opioids, a well-known public health crisis, is now more prevalent in pregnant women as evidenced by the parallel rise with pregnant women in the epidemic with the general population. Evidence is now available that substantiates the need for global awareness to increase efforts in the treatment of pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) as this vulnerable population lacks equal access to opioid abuse treatment across the United States.

Aim: The overarching aim and purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase access to treatment for pregnant women with OUD who are currently underserved in a community located in Florida.

Methods: Between January and April 2022, the 4Ps (parents, partners, past, and pregnancy), a validated screening tool, was implemented in an organization that accepts individuals with substance abuse. Each positive screen was referred for assessment for buprenorphine induction and medication-assisted treatment follow-up. Descriptive statistics were collected counting the number of screens completed, the number of positive screens, the number of referrals, and the number of patients remaining in treatment for 30 and 60 days.

Results: Twenty-two screens were completed. The results yielded an increase in referrals, a 75% increase in treatment of pregnant women, and an average of 83% of participants remained in treatment.

Conclusion: The implementation of a validated screening tool assisted in increasing access to treatment for pregnant women with OUD. Once implemented, the screening tool forges a pathway for referrals and evidence-based treatment for pregnant women with OUD.