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Fetal Alcohol Research Caring for Patients with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Needs Assessment

Vincent C Smith1, Phillip Matthias2, Yasmin N Senturias3,4

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology = Journal De La Therapeutique Des Populations Et De La Pharmacologie Clinique
|February 11, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric providers need more training on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Most providers lack confidence in diagnosing and referring patients, highlighting a need for better educational resources and updated practice guidelines.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric medicine
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Public health

Background:

  • Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the US.
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) encompass a range of conditions resulting from PAE.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing FASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess pediatric providers' knowledge and practices concerning FASD identification, diagnosis, management, and referral.
  • To identify gaps in current provider education and resources for FASD.
  • To inform the development of targeted educational materials and support for healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

  • Surveys were distributed electronically to pediatricians, trainees, and nurse practitioners through national professional society newsletters.
  • Responses from 436 providers were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
  • The survey assessed comfort levels with diagnosis/referral, satisfaction with knowledge, preferred learning methods, and desired resources.

Main Results:

  • A high percentage of providers (88.2%) suspected FASD in their patients, but only 29.2% felt "very comfortable" diagnosing or referring.
  • Provider satisfaction with their FASD knowledge and practice was low (11.5%).
  • Online continuing education, diagnostic/referral checklists, and patient education materials were identified as preferred learning and enhancement tools.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric providers report significant gaps in their knowledge and confidence regarding FASD.
  • There is a strong demand for accessible, ongoing education, particularly online courses.
  • Improving provider education and resources is essential for enhancing FASD recognition and optimizing patient care.
Abstract

Keywords:
fetal alcohol spectrum disorderfetal alcohol syndromeneeds assessment

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