Postnatal support for drug users: evaluation of a specialist health visiting service

Women who misuse drugs require a high level of support during their pregnancy and in the postnatal period. A service to provide additional support to such women in the postnatal period was developed in Scotland, through the integration of a specialist health visitor (SHV) working within the existing multi-agency drug support team (DST). This paper reports on a study to identify views and experiences of both the women who use the service, and the health and social care professionals working with the SHV service, of its effects. Results revealed that specific aspects of the SHV service were viewed positively by women and professionals. However, potential for confusion over lines of accountability between professionals could exist. Also, meeting the complex needs of these women in a sustained way in the community may remain problematic.