Reenvisioning success for programs supporting pregnant women with problematic substance use

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Community-based, integrated primary care maternity programs are emerging for pregnant women with problematic substance use.
• These programs address complex health and social needs.
• Traditional addiction service evaluations focus on abstinence, which is insufficient as addiction is increasingly viewed as a chronic illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To follow the formative development of a community-based program for pregnant women with substance use disorders.
• To identify key evaluation indicators and processes for this program model.
• To inform definitions of program success for guiding future development.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study was conducted.
• The study focused on the program's development stages.
• Evaluation indicators and processes were identified from the program, team members, and women/families served.

Main Results:

• The study identified key indicators and processes crucial for the program's formative development.
• Understanding the perspectives of program team members and women/families is vital.
• Collaboration is essential for refining evaluation metrics.

Conclusions:

• Definitions of success for these programs need to evolve beyond abstinence.
• New metrics should consider addiction as a chronic illness.
• Collaboration among providers, community partners, and health system leaders is critical for effective program development and evaluation.