Date Available

4-28-2020

Year of Publication

2020

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Julianne Ossege

Clinical Mentor

Dr. Kristin Ashford

Committee Member

Dr. Hartley Feld

Abstract

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) has become an epidemic. Women of reproductive age with SUDs have particularly complex healthcare needs including an increased risk of having an unintended pregnancy and associated sequela of negative birth outcomes (NBO). Little is known about how medication assisted treatment (MAT) providers are adequately addressing their unique needs. Identifying provider barriers and tools to address the reproductive needs of women with SUDs can optimize their health outcomes and prevent NBOs.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate MAT Nurse Practitioners’ (NPs) knowledge and perceptions of providing preconception care to women with SUDs.

Methods: This study was a one-group pre/post intervention design to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions, and barriers of MAT providers. The survey was administered before and after completing an educational module on providing preconception care to women with SUDs. A convenience sample of Kentucky MAT NPs was obtained through electronic and mailed recruitment letters.

Results: There was an increase in knowledge in identifying the key features of the One Key Question ™ preconception care decision making tool after the module. Providers’ self-reported intentions, attitudes, perceived control, and perceived peers’ expectations to provide preconception care to women with SUDs were high in the pre- and post-survey. Providers reported a neutral response related to the expectation of providing preconception care and reported that there is little to no social pressure to provide preconception care.

Discussion: The lack of social pressure, minimal expectations, and barriers in providing preconception care presents an obstacle to the reproductive care of women with SUDs. Increasing preconception care awareness, resources and services in this marginalized population has the potential to impact the health of women with SUDs.

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